Meeting the Need: How United Way 211 Helped with SNAP and Food Calls

Government Shutdown Response: SNAP Benefits and Families in Need of Food

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the largest anti-hunger program in the United States. It provides a critical lifeline for low-income families that the existing charitable network of emergency food providers could not meet alone. During the recent government shutdown, SNAP benefits were in jeopardy as recipients were not able to receive their benefit payment for the month of November until the government reopened. This equated to $13 million in monthly benefits for Lucas County residents, $1.2 million for Wood County residents, and $500,000 for Ottawa County residents.

When SNAP is disrupted at this scale, even briefly, the ripple effects are immediate. Families who were already stretching their budgets suddenly had to figure out how to cover a full month of groceries with no warning. Due to funding cuts at the beginning of 2025, food pantries were already stretched to capacity and had more limited food supplies and variety to serve individuals and families.

211 Data Tracking

In the days surrounding the shutdown, United Way 211 saw food-related calls climb sharply, with requests for resources to food pantries, meal sites, and for grocery delivery. 211 is a reliable and trusted source of information and data to understand needs in real time.

Behind the scenes, our team mobilized quickly.

• United Way hosted emergency information sessions with over 100 food providers and community organizations, and an informational webinar to the general public with over 350 attendees.
• We launched a Food Resources Hub with information for people in need of food and opportunities for people interested in volunteering.
• We connected with food pantries to understand their capacity, updated our resource database with food and meal programs, and ensured callers had clear, accurate guidance in a moment when information was changing rapidly.

As the government reopened and benefits resumed, the short-term crisis eased. However, food insecurity remains a deeply challenging issue for many households in our region, particularly ALICE (Asset-Limited, Income Constrained, and Employed) families who live one disruption away from hunger. The data we collect every day through 211 will guide how we support local partners and where we focus our advocacy in the months ahead.

SNAP is essential. Our community’s response is powerful. And moments like this reinforce why we must strengthen both.

What You Can Do

If you or someone you know needs food assistance, call 211, text your zip code to 898-211, or visit www.211nwo.org to get connected to local resources.

If you want to support long-term food security in our region:

• Share information about 211 with your networks.
• Donate to local food pantries or support United Way’s community impact work.
• Advocate for programs like SNAP that keep families stable and supported.

Together, we can ensure that no one in Lucas, Ottawa, or Wood County faces hunger alone.