Community Resources For Families Hit By SNAP Challenges
For Michigan families who are suffering and struggling this month because of the delay in SNAP benefits, there are plenty of places in Southwest Michigan where you can get assistance for the holidays.
Originally, it didn’t look like Michigan would receive any snap benefits, but it wasn't until two federal judges ruled that President Donald Trump‘s administration must continue to fund a national food assistance program that benefits roughly 1.4 million Michigan residents, according to bridgemi.com.
Now, even though benefits will be dispersed this month, not everybody who normally receives payments will receive them, and only a portion of the normal benefits will be dispersed.
Because that won’t do it for some people, the city of Portage has put together the following list of food resources throughout Kalamazoo County
1. Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes
📍 901 Portage St, Kalamazoo
Offers daily food assistance through a network of pantries, home delivery, and mobile food distributions.
Website: kzoolf.org
Email: info@kzoolf.org
Phone: 269-343-3663
2. Twelve Baskets
📍 10332 Portage Rd, Portage
Provides weekly food distributions on Fridays and Saturdays, depending on the week.
Website: twelve-baskets.org
Email: twelvebaskets10332@gmail.com
Phone: 269-532-4912
3. South Michigan Food Bank
📍 Various locations in Kalamazoo County
(5451 Wayne Rd, Battle Creek, MI 49037 Pictured)
Provides food to many pantries throughout the county.
Offers several Fresh Food Distributions — search by Kalamazoo County on their website to find local resources.
Website: smfoodbank.org/getfood/findfood
Phone: 269-964-3663
4. Westwood Food Pantry
📍 538 Nichols Rd, Kalamazoo
Offers two Saturday distributions monthly.
Website: westwood-umc.org/wumc-food-pantry
Phone: 269-254-6394
5. ValleyGroceries
📍 2500 Vincent, Portage
Weekly distribution held on Tuesdays at Valley Family Church.
Website: valleyfamilychurch.org/localoutreach
Phone: 269-324-5599
6. Gryphon Place 2-1-1
📍 A one-stop source providing 24/7, free, and confidential assistance. Connects people with food programs and other social service resources.
Website: gryphon.org/211
Phone: Dial 2-1-1
Text: 898-211 (text zip code)
7. Targeted Food Programs
📍 Serve specific groups, including Montgomery Essential Needs Program, KCVC Village, and others.
Contact 2-1-1 or the organizations directly for more information.