CADILLAC — The Salvation Army in Cadillac is preparing to assist residents expected to lose Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits beginning in November due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.
Social Services Coordinator Micah Chisholm said the organization began planning weeks ago to help those affected.
He said people who rely on SNAP benefits include single parents, families, seniors and people with disabilities, with some using the aid to supplement groceries and others depending on it entirely.
“That’s going to be a really tough situation for a lot of families in our community,” Chisholm said. “For that to go away kind of overnight … is going to make it very difficult for a lot of people to access food.”
To address increasing food insecurity, the Salvation Army plans to expand its pantry hours on Thursdays from 4-6 p.m. and make larger food orders.
The organization’s annual Ed Kellogg Food Drive will also take place over two weekends — Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 at Walmart, and Nov. 7 and 8 at Walmart, Save A Lot, Family Fare, Ebel’s in Falmouth and Roger’s in Lake City. Volunteers will collect donations outside each store.
Chisholm said the food pantry, which provides about a week’s worth of groceries, including meat, is available once every 30 days to serve as many people as possible. He also encouraged residents to use other local pantries for additional support
The Salvation Army pantry operates from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and free lunches are served daily from noon to 1 p.m.
Local resident Stacie Kooiker, who has epilepsy and receives disability and SNAP benefits, said she is worried about how she will afford food if her assistance ends.
“I may not be able to eat next month because they took away my food benefits,” Kooiker said. “I know I got to eat, but there’re going to be times when I can’t because I have to pay certain bills. I’d rather have a roof over my head than eat.”
