Community Food Assistance

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The federal shutdown may delay the issuance of November 2025 food assistance benefits. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has offered the following guidance:

SNAP participants should reach out to their local MDHHS office with any questions regarding their SNAP benefits or check MI Bridges for updates.

Additionally, you may be able to use the Double Up Food Bucks program to purchase produce through December 31. Follow this link to learn more.

For those looking to donate:

  • If you don’t have much on hand, consider a monetary donation. Food pantries can stretch every dollar further by buying in bulk or purchasing exactly what’s needed — like fresh produce, dairy or culturally familiar foods that are hard to donate directly. Your dollars give pantries flexibility and help them fill the real gaps on their shelves. 
  • Before you give, consider asking your local pantry which items they need most. Sometimes it’s food or money, but often they need personal care products like toothpaste, diapers, wipes, laundry or body soap. 
  • Donating items like infant formula or baby food can make a real difference for families with infants. When donating, check expiration dates. Never donate formula past its “use-by” date. Inspect packaging to ensure cans have no bulges, rust or water damage. Make sure donated baby food and formula was stored in a cool, dry place. Do not donate homemade baby food or formula. 
  • If you are a hunter looking to donate a harvested deer to those in need, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Hunters Feeding Michigan program can help you find a participating processor in your area.

As a SNAP outreach agency, MSU Extension has information that can help. Please see below for a list of additional resources that can support you at this time.