CADILLAC — The First Baptist Church of Cadillac’s food bank is experiencing a surge in demand due to uncertainty surrounding SNAP benefits, with around 120 visitors expected today, nearly double the usual number.
The church is providing essential groceries such as cereal and pasta to families in need and has waived limits to allow more frequent food collection during the government shutdown.
“When I got paid, I knew I had to save my money for my bills. Then, when I found out we weren’t getting SNAP, I got so low on food, I’m like, ‘What am I going to do now? I don’t know.’ I knew my resources, but I’m like, ‘I got to reach out’,” said Katrina Hawkins, a SNAP recipient who relies on the food bank.
The King’s Storehouse Food Pantry at the First Baptist Church of Cadillac distributes food on the first and third Thursdays of each month from 2-3:30 p.m.
The increased demand at the food bank highlights the critical role such community resources play during times of financial uncertainty, providing essential support to those affected by changes in government assistance programs.