MUSKEGON COUNTY, MI – With the 43-day federal shutdown officially over and SNAP benefits restored, many assume the food insecurity crisis has resolved. Local organizations say the reality is far more complicated.
The surge in need during the shutdown wiped out shelves, drained emergency reserves and left families struggling to recover from financial strain.
While new dollars have been released to support seniors, leaders across the community stress that families of all ages remain in urgent need of help.
“Our community always steps up when people are hurting, and this moment is no different,” said Lisa Tyler, president and CEO of United Way of the Lakeshore. “The senior millage dollars will make a real impact for older adults, but we still do not have enough funding to meet the growing need facing families.”
A community steps up
To respond quickly and effectively, United Way of the Lakeshore and its county and nonprofit partners have launched two rapid-response mini-grant funds through help.feedmuskegon.org.
One fund supports seniors through the Muskegon County Senior Millage, and the other supports nonprofits providing food to families and individuals experiencing food insecurity.
It allows nonprofits, churches, schools and community partners to request help without waiting for long grant cycles.
“We are asking those who can consider going above and beyond by supporting the United Response Fund for emergency relief while continuing to make their regular contributions to the organizations they love,” Tyler said. “Every dollar helps us keep people fed.”
In response to the heightened need among older adults, Muskegon County allocated $75,000 in senior millage funding for hunger relief for residents age 60 and older.
These dollars will be distributed directly to agencies through a simple and fast-turnaround application.
“These funds ensure seniors will not be left behind in the aftermath of the shutdown. This is community working exactly the way it should,” Tyler said.
The Community Foundation for Muskegon County has also stepped in to help increase the community’s collective impact. The Community Foundation will match up to $10,000 in donations made to the United Response Fund.
Janelle Mair, vice president of community investment, highlighted the power of shared commitment.
“The need is real, and it is immediate. That is why the Community Foundation has committed to match up to ten thousand dollars in donations made to the United Response Fund,” Mair said.
Where to go from here
United Way reports that food distribution programs are still operating above capacity. Many families depleted their savings, relied on credit or fell behind on bills during the shutdown.
Even with federal benefits restored, recovery will take time, and local food programs remain on the front lines.
Both mini-grant funds are open now. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis to ensure dollars move to agencies as rapidly as possible.
United Way and its partners encourage community members to help address the ongoing crisis by donating to the United Response Fund, volunteering with a local food pantry or meal program and sharing information about available resources.
AgeWell Services CEO Kris VanderStelt, who is a United Way partner, emphasized the level of collaboration unfolding across Muskegon County.
“This response is genuinely collaborative. Nonprofits, government agencies, funders and volunteers are all pulling in the same direction,” VanderStelt said. “We have built a system where organizations can receive support quickly, and where residents can easily find food, volunteer opportunities or donate. It has become an essential lifeline.”
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