No Flint Family Left Behind: City Prepares to Assist Residents as SNAP Benefits and Federal Paychecks Face Suspension
UPDATE:
The City of Flint Administration is proactively preparing to assist residents who may be affected by the ongoing federal government shutdown. There has been some confusion in the community, and we want to clarify that no food vouchers have been distributed at this time.
The City is working in partnership with the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan to be ready in the event that food stamps/SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits or federal employee paychecks are suspended beginning November 1.
For residents currently in need of food assistance, please refer to the schedule below from the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan, which lists local mobile food pantry dates and locations throughout the month of October/November.
FLINT, Mich. — As the federal government shutdown continues, the City of Flint Administration is taking proactive steps to support residents who may soon face disruptions to essential income and food benefits. In partnership with the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan, the City of Flint is launching a food voucher program to assist households that could be affected if SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits or federal employee paychecks are suspended beginning November 1.
Through this collaboration, eligible residents will receive vouchers redeemable for a 30-pound box of food from the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan. Each qualifying individual or household will be eligible a voucher as part of the City’s emergency support initiative.
“Flint families and federal workers shouldn’t have to worry about putting food on the table because of circumstances beyond their control,” said Mayor Sheldon Neeley. “The City of Flint is committed to standing with our residents and ensuring no family goes hungry during this federal shutdown. We’re deeply grateful to the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan for partnering with us once again to meet this critical community need.”
Eligibility Requirements:
Residents must provide:
- Proof of current SNAP benefits and Flint residency, or
- Proof of federal employment and Flint residency
Eligible residents can visit Flint City Hall to receive their food vouchers.
The City of Flint and the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan remain united in their mission to support families, workers, and individuals affected by the shutdown and to ensure continued access to nutritious food across the community. The full scope of the program will be announced in the following week.
All Flint and Genesee County residents can visit the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan’s website to find a distribution center near them. There are also Mobile Food Pantry dates at various locations throughout the month: