“They're starting to visit pantries already looking for food to be prepared and so that's driving up just the need for additional food at the pantry.”
Becki Postma is the chief impact officer at Heart of West Michigan United Way which is launching the United Response Fund, helping local families access food and basic needs ahead of the potential delay in federal SNAP benefits November 1.
“We're talking about over 100,000 people impacted by this just in West Michigan.
Across the state, over 492,000 children and 38,000 veterans.”
Postma says more than one in nine Michiganders rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to put food on the table.
Without it, local pantries and meal programs will face overwhelming demand.
The United Response Fund will provide emergency funding to food suppliers in Allegan, Kent and Ottawa counties.
The agencies will accept food donations, but financial contributions are preferred.
“They can make money go a lot further because they can buy in bulk and so what you and I would go to the store and buy can be bought cheaper if they are given the money to do that.”
Postma says United Way acts as the donation point of contact.
With established systems, it can distribute the money quickly to West Michigan food suppliers.
To contribute, the Heart of West Michigan United Way asks that you call or visit their website.
