Across the United States, there are almost 42 million Americans who rely on SNAP benefits (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as Food Stamps) to feed their families, but as the federal government shut down continues into November, millions of Americans are set to lose their benefits on November 1, 2025.
The reason for the loss of SNAP (among other government assistance programs) is not completely due to the government being shut down. Rather, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has declined to tap into the $5 billion in contingency funds that would sustain SNAP benefits under certain conditions, like the current prolonged government shutdown.
Regardless of the reason behind these benefits being paused, the impact remains significant for the families here in Albion. In this article, we aim to provide clarity on where you can go to continue feeding your families.
General Resources
- Michigan 211 connects Michigan residents with free, confidential services that can help residents find health and human services. By dialing 211 on your phone or by visiting the Michigan 211 Food Assistance website, you can get referrals to local food programs. Further, connecting Michigan 211 provides all residents with free, confidential referrals to food banks and food panties.
- Food Bank Council of Michigan’s website can help you locate your nearest food bank and learn more about other hunger relief efforts happening locally and across the State.
- South Michigan Food Bank serves Calhoun, Barry, Branch, Hillsdale, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Lenawee, and St. Joseph counties, providing a directory to local food banks and panties dependent on county, city, times, and days. You can visit their website directory by going to their website.
Albion’s Food Pantries:
The Community Table of Albion is run by the Albion Health Care Alliance and provides drive-through distribution on the second, third, and fourth Tuesday of each month from 3:00pm – 5:00pm. The Community Table is located on the west side of the Opportunity High School at 225 E. Watson St., in Albion.
The Community Table of Albion also has a walk-in pantry that is offered on the first Tuesday of each month, from 10:00am – 6:00pm, located in the same location (225 E. Watson St., Albion). To participate in this program, enter the building at the doors labelled “EC” on the west side of the building.
Monique Hernandez, Program and Administrative Assistant at the Albion Healthcare Alliance, sent the following statement via email on the topic of how the lapse in SNAP benefits will affect the Community Table, and how they plan to deal with an influx in food requests:
“As of now, we plan to allow folks to sign up for an appointment to pick up meal kits which will include ingredients for meals such as chili, cheesy bean and rice burritos, chicken and rice soup, etc. People will have the option to choose the meal they prefer and specify their family size, so we are providing an appropriate amount of food. We plan to have meals to accommodate dietary restrictions as well (dairy free, vegan, gluten free, etc.). Folks will be able to sign up through a Google Form that will be posted on our Facebook and website at the end of next week.
We understand that the need for food in Albion has grown. Over the past two years, attendance at our walk-in pantry has risen by nearly 300%; our drive-through by 70%. However, for every meal provided by a food bank, SNAP is able to provide 9 (See this article). This is not a gap that can be sustainably covered by organizations like Community Table of Albion with our current funds.
We will need the community’s support through donations to continue feeding our neighbors. Folks can donate on our website or Facebook page at Community Table of Albion. Our board is meeting next week to discuss how we can further support our neighbors. The Google Form link and a statement will be posted after that meeting.”
Upcoming Dates:
- November 4 | Walk-In Pantry
- November 11 | Drive-Thru Distribution
- November 18 | Drive-Thru Distribution
- November 25 | Drive-Thru Distribution
The Network Family Church, located at 13600 28 Mile Rd., provides a food drive on the first Tuesday of each month (November 4) on a first-come, first-served basis until the food runs out, beginning at 3:30 p.m. This is a drive-through service where you can pick up in the church parking lot.
If you are struggling with food connection during the above-mentioned times and days, reach out to the above-mentioned resources or connect with Margaret Avery via email at mavery@equalitymi.org for further information on available resources.
Ways to Support:
If you are looking for ways to help and support our neighbors during this time, there are several places where you may be able to donate or volunteer. Consider connecting with the following for more information on how you can get involved and help directly in your community:
- Equality Michigan
- Contact Margaret Avery at mavery@equalitymi.com
- Albion Healthcare Alliance
- Call 517-629-5080
- Network Family Church
- Call 517-629-4862 or E-mail nfcalbion@gmail.com
- South Michigan Food Bank
As the federal shutdown continues, uncertainty remains about when SNAP benefits will resume. In the meantime, Albion’s food pantries and community organizations are stepping up to ensure no one goes hungry. Whether you need support or are able to lend a hand, now is the time to stay connected, stay informed, and look out for one another.
If you know of any other resources for food assistance in the Albion Area not mentioned in the above article, please let us know. We’d love to highlight every resource possible to ensure every resident’s needs are met during these uncertain times.
Albion Life Today 