Washtenaw County Launches Drive-Thru Food Distribution to Help SNAP Recipients Amid Benefit Pauses

Washtenaw County will launch drive-thru food distribution centers in partnership with Food Gatherers to help residents facing a pause in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits. Centers open during the second week of November.

The county is working with the local food bank to set up several distribution sites. Officials are still finalizing specific locations and details.

Brady Peck, Washtenaw County Director of Operations, said the initiative aims to keep residents from losing access to meals. He outlined available options for different groups facing the SNAP pause.

"We're working to make sure that residents in the county that are going to lose access to SNAP benefits are able to get food through Food Gatherers and food pantries throughout the county," Peck said, according to WEMU. "If they're aged 60 or older, they can receive meals through Senior Cafe sites."

The pause in SNAP assistance is days away. Officials announced the food distribution program on Oct. 30.

Residents aged 60 and older have access to Senior Cafe sites. Veterans can get assistance through the Washtenaw Veterans Affairs Department.

WIC recipients will not face program disruptions until at least Nov. 24. Families using that program get extra weeks before any changes take effect.

Food Gatherers will run the distribution centers alongside county staff. The food bank has experience running pantries throughout the area. The drive-thru format lets residents pick up food without leaving their vehicles. Lines move faster this way.

County officials are coordinating with existing food pantries to expand capacity. The network of pantries will supplement the new drive-thru sites.

Peck emphasized the county's commitment to making sure no one goes hungry during the SNAP pause. Distribution points will reach residents across different parts of the area.

The program targets people who rely on SNAP for their groceries. Families depend on these benefits to buy food each month.

Food Gatherers has served the area for years. The organization collects and distributes food to people in need throughout the region.

Officials chose the second week of November to align with the SNAP pause timeline. Services will be available when residents need them most.

The county has not released exact dates for when each distribution site will open. More information about locations will come soon.

Residents can access assistance depending on their age and status. The county designed the response to reach different groups through appropriate channels.

The Senior Cafe program provides meals at specific sites for older adults. Veterans Affairs offers separate resources for those who served in the military.

County operations staff are managing the coordination effort. The department is working to finalize logistics before the November launch date.