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Supporting Our Community Through the SNAP and Food Assistance Crisis
The Challenge
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a lifeline for more than 26,600 individuals across Brown County, helping them maintain basic food security. Due to the ongoing federal shutdown, this vital support is at risk — with SNAP benefits expected to be delayed or reduced for November as the USDA depletes contingency funds.
The situation extends beyond SNAP — programs such as the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), WIC, and Head Start may also face disruptions, creating uncertainty for families, childcare programs, and service providers. Food pantries are bracing for higher demand, adding pressure to an already strained network — especially among households living below the ALICE® Threshold (Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, and Employed).
Our Approach
At Brown County United Way (BCUW), our mission is to co-create community solutions so everyone can thrive. In response to this crisis, we are developing a coordinated action plan that addresses both immediate needs and long-term solutions to strengthen food security in Brown County.
- Data and Experience
We are collaborating with community partners, food pantries, workplaces, and local leaders to map who will be most affected and where critical gaps exist. This data will guide immediate interventions and future investments. - Immediate Support
Based on these learnings, we will work on creating immediate support systems. Examples include leveraging our funds to support partners; mobilizing volunteers to support food pantries; and expanding access by bringing food and essential services directly into neighborhoods across Brown County. - Long-Term Strategy
Recognizing that food insecurity is a systemic issue, BCUW is investing in programs and infrastructure that build stability and reduce reliance on emergency food systems. This includes capacity-building for local partners and aligning our direct services, grantmaking, and advocacy to drive long-term change.
We Are Acting Now
This is a moment of urgency for Brown County. The disruption of SNAP and other food programs threatens the well-being of our neighbors. BCUW is responding quickly, convening stakeholders, mobilizing resources, and doing everything we can to make sure no one in our community falls through the cracks.
If you or someone you know needs immediate assistance, call 2-1-1 for up-to-date food and resource referrals.
You can also find local food pantry information here: Brown County Food Pantry Resources
To support these efforts or get involved:
- Brown County Hunger Coalition: Selena Darrow, Facilitator — selena@rootedininc.org
- Brown County United Way: Shruti Sriram, Chief Impact Officer — shruti@browncountyunitedway.org
To make your voice heard as the situation at the federal level continues to evolve, go to www.congress.gov/members/find-your-member and enter your address to find the contact information for your congressional representative and senators.
Together, we can ensure every family in Brown County has access to food and other supports they need — today and into the future.