Grand Rapids’ Fulton Street Market Expands Food Help Amid SNAP Cuts

As families across Michigan face uncertainty around federal food benefits, one Grand Rapids favorite is stepping up in a big way. The Fulton Street Market has always been about community and now, that community spirit is extending even further.

The market recently opened a brand-new dry goods pantry, giving families access to essential items every Saturday from 10am to 1 pm. It’s a simple but easy way to help those who may have lost SNAP assistance or just need a little extra support right now, in a place they may already be going to get food.

This new pantry is a community-based program, which means it’s powered by donations and local kindness from neighbors like you and me. That means the Fulton Street Market is asking anyone who’s able to consider contributing. Whether that’s shelf-stable foods, pantry items, or even time spent helping organize donations.

Of course, the market has a long history of making fresh food more accessible. They’ve accepted SNAP benefits since 2013 and continue to participate in the Double Up Food Bucks Michigan program, which helps stretch food dollars for anyone using SNAP.

Usually, the program matches up to $20 per day for Michigan-grown fruits and veggies. But thanks to a special update announced on October 25, that limit has been lifted to an unlimited amount through December 31. That means every dollar spent on local produce goes even further for families who need a little extra help this season.

In a time when many are unsure where their next meal might come from, it’s small acts like this that remind us what community really looks like: neighbors helping neighbors, and a city that continues to show up for one another when we really need it. West Michigan has a big heart, and we’re going to need each other more than ever this season.

For more information or to get involved, keep up with updates from Fulton Street Market on Facebook.