Our Response to the Government Shutdown &
FoodShare Delay Info
As an organization, we are dedicated to serving our community during this time of uncertainty. Our staff is working hard to maximize the resources we have by staying flexible and being responsive to the needs of our community.
Please read below for more information about the government shutdown, how it affects FoodShare, what we’re doing, and how you can help.
Check back on this page for updates as we continue to share information and work together to support our community.
FoodShare Delay
Starting November 1, federal food benefits for nearly 42 million Americans who rely on the nation’s largest anti-hunger program will be delayed.
The contingency fund for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) currently holds roughly $5 billion, but will not be utilized by the Administration while the government is shut down, according to a USDA memo.
700,000 Wisconsinites who are on FoodShare (the name for SNAP benefits, or foodstamps in Wisconsin) will be affected.
What this Means
The food pantry network is currently designed to meet emergency needs and not to replace FoodShare benefits.
Kinship currently meets about 15-25% of a family’s monthly food needs.
Without FoodShare, the demand could rise to supporting 50-75% of a family’s monthly food needs.
With the current supplemental supports being delayed, many working families living on the margin will be pushed into a state of crisis.
This will be a substantial strain on pantry resources.
Who Kinship Serves
2/3 of the people we serve qualify for FoodShare or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits (formerly referred to as food stamps).
FoodShare (SNAP) benefits are based on family household size and income. They average $298 per month for one person or $785 per month for a family of three. This amounts to about $8 per day per person.
Our shoppers include:
1/3 children (many from single family households)
Underemployed (working) and unemployed families
Those on fixed incomes (Seniors, veterans, people with disabilities)
10% in crisis situations (substance abuse, unhoused, mental health)
Families in these specific situations do not have alternative resources for income or food and/or cannot provide for themselves outside government subsidies.
If your are on FoodShare benefits please click here for more information.
Our Response
We’re creating contingency plans to meet our community’s needs and will adjust operations as needed.
We have strong partnerships with other food and grocery organizations from which we source our food.
Our inventory for our regularly planned operations for this time of year is solid
HOWEVER…
Our reserves are mostly canned and shelf-stable food.
We anticipate a significantly increased demand for items not easily procured through a food drive — meat, eggs, fresh produce, and dairy.
Kinship currently purchases these items at cost to fill gaps in our well-rounded inventory that families rely on.
We anticipate needing to spend 3x more than our current food acquisition budget to meet demand.
If the shutdown continues and more families need assistance, or if the demand for food increases, we anticipate a significant strain on our ability to provide families with the food they need.
Our Commitment
We’re dedicated to serving our community with the resources we have and are committed to staying flexible and responsive as those needs continue to change.
What You Can Do
1. Contact your representatives.
The shutdown is hurting vulnerable families.
This isn’t political, it’s about supporting our neighbors.
2. Donate money.
Give through our website or by check.
Funds help us buy what’s most needed as the situation changes.
3. Donate food.
Drop off during open hours:
-Tuesdays 4–6 PM
-Fridays 8:30–10:30 AM
-Saturdays 8:30–10:30 AM
4. Host a food drive.
Email donations@kinshipmke.org to start one at your work, school, or place of worship.
Thank You
Your continued support will help us provide for our community during these uncertain times.
Please check back on this page for updates as we continue to share information and work together to support our community.
If you have any further questions or concerns please email info@kinshipmke.org.
WAYS to GET INVOLVED
