On November 1, 75,000 of our neighbors in Kent County, including roughly 32,000 children, will lose their SNAP benefits due to the federal government shutdown. The pantry network in Kent County has already experienced record-high usage this year and is struggling to meet the demand, even before the upcoming pause.

You can help our neighbors get the food they need by engaging in the following ways:

• Donate to Feeding America West Michigan.
• Contribute financial (or food) donations to local food pantries.
• Volunteer at the food bank or a local pantry.
• Contact your congressional representative to urge passage of a budget or continuing resolution.

Grand Rapids Community Foundation is continuing to monitor this situation to ensure we understand what we’re seeing unfold in Washington, the impact it is having on the people of Kent County and the nonprofit organizations working to support them. We are in close contact with our nonprofit and community partners and remain committed to providing flexible and responsive financial resources.