Where to get food; where to donate or volunteer
By Barb Pert Templeton
A pause in funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), a federal program that provides food assistance also known as Food Stamps, has prompted many agencies in St. Clair County to join forces to provide food for those in need this November.
In a press release from the St. Clair County Health Department, it was noted the department is an active member of the St. Clair County Community Services Coordinating Body (CSCB).
The county has activated the St. Clair County Emergency Operations Center to assist in coordinating the community’s response to the lapse in SNAP benefits.
Working closely with the CSCB, a collaborative network of dozens of partner agencies—the EOC is helping organize logistics, resource distribution, and communication among organizations to ensure support reaches those most in need.
More than 22,000 residents in St. Clair County rely on SNAP for essential food support. The CSCB, ECO and partner agencies are working collectively to ensure that individuals and families facing food insecurity have access to available resources. At the same time, they are making sure community members who are able can contribute through donations and volunteering. Federal workers who are also impacted by the pause on benefits are also encouraged to reach out for support through local resources.
It’s also important to note that while SNAP benefits are paused, the Women, Infant and Children (WIC) program is fully funded through Nov. 24. Individuals already enrolled in WIC will continue to receive benefits until that date and new eligible clients can still enroll, according to the press release.
“This is truly a whole-community response,” Deb Johnson, CEO of St. Clair County Community Mental Health and Chair of the CSCB said. “We know that times like these require all of us – neighbors, agencies and community partners – to come together. By working collaboratively, we can strengthen our collective response and better support those in need across St. Clair County.”
FOOD RESOURCES:
A current list of local food pantries, soup kitchens blessing boxes and other food resources is available online at cscb.org. Also, the photo in this article provides the current list as well.
HOW TO DONATE MEAL KITS:
As many in the community feel the impact of the temporary suspension of SNAP benefits, and with the holiday season approaching, neighbors are being asked to join SCCCMH’s Meal Kit Drive to support the individuals and families we serve.
An updated list of pop-up food pantries across the county, from Port Huron to Marine City to Capac was released on the St. Clair County Community Services Coordinating Body website on Nov. 4, 2025.
This is a targeted, simple way to help: choose one of three meal kit themes (Breakfast, Pasta Dinner, or Soup & Sandwich), shop for the listed non-perishable items, and drop your kit off at any of our SCCCMH locations between November 3–10. Non-perishables include canned goods, dried goods, grains, and other shelf-stable products like pasta, rice, beans, and peanut butter. Other items can include cereal, oatmeal, tortillas, and shelf-stable snacks like granola bars and crackers.
Every bag donated goes directly to someone we serve who’s experiencing food insecurity.
Drop-off locations:
• Main: 3111 Electric Ave., Port Huron
• Child & Family Services: 2415 24th St., Port Huron
For those who’d like to make a donation in the form of meal kits, this is how and where to do it
• South Adult Services.: 6221 King Rd., Marine City
• South Child & Family Services: 135 Broadway, Marine City
• West: 14675 Downey Rd., Capac
*Can’t fill a bag but still want to help? Cash donations are welcome. Every contribution makes a difference.
HOW TO VOLUNTEER:
Local food pantries and pop-up food distribution sites are in need of volunteers. Contact your local pantry to learn how to lend a hand.
