St. Joseph.
On November 1, the federally funded Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps, will be paused. The 23,000+ Berrien County residents who are eligible for SNAP benefits to help feed their families will be in need. That’s why Berrien Community Foundation is calling on the community to donate food items at one of eight donation sites.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program provides over $2 million in food aid in Berrien County every month. Those dollars are spent at our local stores. Every $1 in SNAP benefits generates up to $1.80 in economic benefit. This is especially critical for small local grocers, according to Food Research and Action Center.
Berrien Community Foundation is working with partners to shore up the food pantries that are bracing for the increase in need. Thanks to the foresight of donors, BCF is able to purchase $20,000 of protein for the pantries using the Terry N. and Maryfran Tieman Endowment Fund. It will help, but it isn’t enough. BCF is challenging the community to tap in.
The SWMI Food Is Health Collaborative and SWMI Nutrition Exchange are working with food pantries and other hunger relief agencies coordinating efforts to meet the moment, but we need everyone to ensure that our neighbors have enough to eat.
How You Can Help
1. Give Food – Eight donation sites are set up throughout Berrien County. Donation bins are available at:
- Berrien Community Foundation
- Chikaming Township Hall
- Coloma Public Library
- Corewell Health Center for Wellness, Benton Harbor
- Hardings Market, Berrien Springs
- Watervliet District Library
- YMCA – Niles/Buchanan
- YMCA - St. Joseph/Benton Harbor
Donated items will be picked up by Meals on Wheels for distribution to the pantries.
The priority items requested by the pantries are UNEXPIRED
- Canned meat (chicken, tuna, salmon) in water
- Canned stews, soup or chili (low-sodium preferred)
- Canned vegetables (low-sodium preferred)
- Pasta and pasta sauce
For a full list of items visit: www.berriencommunity.org/foodishealth
2. Give Money – Donations made to the Food For Good Fund at the Berrien Community Foundation will be used to purchase items in bulk for the pantries or to provide grants for pantries to purchase needed food. You can make your tax-deductible donation at www.berriencommunity.org/foodforgood.
3. Give Time – The food pantries and the Nutrition Exchange will need additional volunteers to sort, pick up and deliver items. To volunteer, email bcf@berriencommunity.org, or call 269-983-3304 or connect with your local pantry. You can also sign up and volunteer through the United Way of Southwest Michigan website at www.uwsm.org.
If you prefer to donate directly to a pantry near you, please do so. A list of pantries and their locations is available at www.berriencommunity.org, www.help4berrien.org or by calling 2-1-1.
If You Need Help
A list of food pantries is available at www.help4berrien.org or by calling 2-1-1.
Until this is resolved, BCF and a network of nonprofit providers will continue to work to provide access to food for those in need. The pantries and food providers cannot do this alone. If you would like to host a food drive at your place of business or other organization, please contact BCF or work directly with a pantry. If you would like more information, please contact Berrien Community Foundation at 269-983-3304 or via email.
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