As Michigan faces a suspension of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, local organizations are mobilizing to ensure that no one in Midland County goes hungry. United Way of Midland County, in partnership with the Food for Health Collaborative of Health and Human Services Council, comprised of a network of nonprofit and community partners, is coordinating a collective response to meet urgent food needs and strengthen local food resources.

“SNAP provides a lifeline for many in our community—especially women with children, older adults, people with disabilities, and ALICE households who are already feeling the effects of inflation and uncertainty,” said Holly Miller, President & CEO of United Way of Midland County. “We’re working together to understand the impact, address supply challenges, and ensure everyone knows where to turn for help.”

The first place to call: 211. Assistance is available 24/7 by calling 211, visiting www.211nemichigan.org 24/7 or texting your zip code to TXT 211 for confidential referrals to local food programs and support services.

United Way shared that our food experts in the region are all working diligently to ensure our neighbors have access to food and resources including the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan, Hidden Harvest, Midland County Food Assistance Network, Phoenix Community Farms and many others. Programs like ReGrow Together with production sites at Windover High Schools, The Arnold Center and Coleman Public Schools are scaling up operations to provide free, nutritious, ready-to-eat meals for families facing food insecurity.

While there is no clear timeline for when SNAP benefits will resume, local organizations are already planning for the long haul. As they continue to learn more, United Way will focus on mapping the needs, increasing food capacity, including a county-wide food drive to gather shelf-stable items such as rice, beans, canned meats, soups, and infant formula.

“This is collaboration at its finest,” added Miller. “Our community has always shown up for one another, and we’ll continue to do that now. We are stronger together.”

How You Can Help

  • Donate to help fill the gap and provide food for neighbors in need at unitedwaymidland.org/feedtheneed
  • Drop off nonperishable food items to United Way of Midland County, Midland County Food Assistance Network or Salvation Army
  • Volunteer to support local food programs at volunteerglbr.org
  • Stay informed by visiting 211 and the United Way’s Facebook pages.
  • Advocate for others by sharing this information for anyone who may be impacted.

If you’re in a neighboring county, your United Way is working hard to provide resources to families in need – to support their efforts, visit their Facebook for more details: