Detroit City Wire

The 2025 federal government shutdown has led to a reduction in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for November, with recipients receiving about half of their usual allotment. These benefits help families buy essential foods such as fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy products, and grains.

In response to this shortfall, several organizations that are members of the Detroit Regional Chamber have increased their efforts to support those affected by food insecurity.

The Shopper’s Choice Food Pantry at the Capuchin Services Center is providing assistance by allowing individuals facing food insecurity to select fresh produce, pantry staples, and personal care items by appointment. The pantry is currently accepting both monetary donations and shelf-stable food items like canned vegetables, pasta, rice, beans, and cereal. Additionally, Capuchin is offering corporate sponsorship opportunities for its Holiday Food Box Drive.

Focus: HOPE’s Food for Seniors program delivers monthly food packages to over 43,000 seniors in the Detroit region. The organization also provides health screenings and other support services such as tax preparation and utility assistance. Focus: HOPE encourages monetary donations and volunteers to help with these efforts.

Forgotten Harvest is purchasing additional food supplies to address increased demand caused by the SNAP funding pause. While partnerships allow them to secure discounted nutritious foods, they require more funds to expand distribution further.

Gleaners works with nearly 400 partner agencies across Metro Detroit—including soup kitchens, pantries, shelters, schools—and organizes direct grocery distributions throughout the area. Gleaners welcomes financial contributions as well as corporate sponsorships to sustain these services.

These combined efforts from Detroit Regional Chamber member organizations aim to address immediate needs during the ongoing reduction in federal nutrition assistance.