Local agencies are stepping up to help St. Clair County residents as federal food assistance remains uncertain following a pause in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP.
The county’s Emergency Operations Center has been activated to coordinate the community’s response in partnership with the St. Clair County Community Services Coordinating Body (CSCB). Officials say they’re working to connect residents with local food pantries, meal programs, and other resources while encouraging those who are able to donate or volunteer to do so.
More than 22,000 residents, including roughly 8,000 children in St. Clair County rely on SNAP benefits. The USDA announced this week it will partially restore November payments following a federal court order, using roughly $4.65 billion in contingency funds. States are still waiting for details on how and when the reduced payments will be issued.
A current, vetted list of local food resources, along with links for donations and volunteer opportunities, is available online at CSCBinfo.org.
