SNAP Benefits Threatened; States, Communities Mobilize

With the federal government shutdown threatening to suspend SNAP benefits beginning Nov. 1, more than 42 million Americans face sudden food insecurity and communities nationwide are mobilizing emergency responses. State governments have announced emergency aid — Ohio pledged up to $25 million (including $7 million to food banks and $18 million for emergency relief for more than 63,000 residents) and Michigan pledged $4.5 million to the Food Bank Council — measures officials call temporary until federal funding resumes. Local governments, food banks, nonprofits, faith groups and school districts are scaling up distributions and services, with countywide drives, pop-up distributions and expanded events reported in places such as Howard County, St. Charles, Medina County, Door County, Guilford County and Montana communities. Food banks and pantries report stockpiling supplies, long lines and strained staff, and counties are deploying tools to help residents find aid, such as Linn County’s interactive pantry map and Howard County’s Food Connection map. Private partners, United Ways and community groups are coordinating deliveries, volunteer efforts and expanded hours, and officials urge residents to donate or check local maps and food bank websites for hours and locations while SNAP funding remains in limbo.