Updated: December 2025
Food insecurity continues to rise across Michigan, and Dearborn families are feeling the impact. With recent disruptions to federal food assistance programs, especially the temporary pause of SNAP benefits, local food pantries are becoming essential community stabilizers.
The LAHC food pantry, youth programs, and community outreach efforts continue to grow to meet immediate and long-term needs.
Learn more about LAHC’s recent work, upcoming services, and the most current information on SNAP benefits in Michigan, optimized to help residents searching for food pantries in Dearborn, SNAP updates, and local food resources.
LAHC’s Impact in October: Feeding The Dearborn Community
October was a major month for LAHC in terms of food distribution and community support. The organization helped hundreds of families access fresh, nutritious food through several programs, including:
- 2 client-choice mobile markets
- 3 food bag giveaways
- 271 clients served
- 13,097 pounds of food distributed in October
- 47,596 pounds of food distributed so far in 2025
These numbers underscore the increasing need for Dearborn food assistance and highlight LAHC’s vital role in meeting that need.
Upcoming Client-Choice Food Pantry (November & December)
To support families through the ongoing SNAP disruption, LAHC is offering an appointment-based client-choice food pantry this November and December.
- Appointments available every Thursday
- 10 appointment slots each week
This model allows families to choose foods that meet their dietary, cultural, and health needs — a core value of LAHC’s dignity-driven approach.
Teen Afterschool Cooking Classes Begin
Food security is not just about access; it’s also about education. LAHC’s Teen Afterschool Cooking Program, launched in October, welcomed seven teens eager to learn:
- Basic kitchen skills
- Cooking techniques
- Nutrition fundamentals
- Budget-friendly meal preparation
This initiative helps young people build long-term independence and contributes to reducing future food insecurity.
Where Dearborn Community Members Can Find Discounted & Free Food Assistance
In addition to LAHC’s services, many organizations across Dearborn (and online) offer free or low-cost food options to help residents meet their basic needs. Here’s a guide to where community members can find reliable support right now.
Wayne County Food Sources
National Food Pantry Databases
- USDA Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP): Helps low-income families with a free monthly food box
- Pantry Net: Offers a map of local food distributions with Forgotten Harvest
- FindHelp.org: One-stop shop for all your community needs, including food banks
- Plentiful-People and Food, Connected: Helps users find free food near them
- Food Helpline: Provides personalized recommendations for local services that match your needs
- Online Food Pantry: Online service offering free home delivery
Discounted Grocery Services
- Flashfoods: Grocery items for up to 50% off
- GoPuff: Grocery delivery
- Misfits Market: Fresh food delivery with discounts on first order
- Imperfect Foods: Similar to Misfits, with a $20 discount on your first order
- Too Good To Go: Offers surplus groceries, baked goods, and meals from stores like Whole Foods and Panera
- Mom’s Meals: Medically tailored meals for less than $10 or free for qualifying Medicaid and Medicare members.
SNAP Benefits in Michigan: What Dearborn Residents Need to Know
The most significant statewide development affecting food access is the temporary pause in SNAP benefits in November and the uncertainty around December distributions.
November Recap: SNAP Benefits Paused
Due to a federal funding lapse, Michigan was instructed to pause November SNAP benefits, impacting 1.4 million residents, roughly 13% of Michigan households.
Families can still use any remaining EBT/Bridge Card funds from prior months.
This development has increased demand for food resources in Dearborn, making LAHC’s efforts more crucial than ever.
What to Expect for December SNAP Benefits
For December and beyond, SNAP benefit distribution in Michigan depends on Congress restoring federal funding, which remains uncertain.
In the meantime, Michigan is taking steps to support families, including expanding the Double Up Food Bucks Michigan program.
Expanded Double Up Food Bucks Includes:
- No daily spending cap
- Frozen fruits & vegetables now eligible
- Double Up credits no longer expire
- $40 produce vouchers available while supplies last
These changes help families fill grocery gaps, even without new SNAP deposits.
Why LAHC’s Work Matters More Than Ever
With families in Dearborn navigating a patchwork of resources, LAHC remains a reliable, community-centered solution.
How LAHC offers support to the Wayne County community:
- Provides consistent food support (mobile markets, bag giveaways, pantry appointments)
- Offers culturally informed, client-choice food options
- Supports youth through cooking education
- Helps families navigate multiple food-access programs
- Responds rapidly during emergencies like the SNAP pause
What Dearborn Residents Can Do to Combat Food Insecurity
If you or someone you know needs food assistance, here are immediate steps:
- Use any remaining Bridge Card/EBT funds: They remain valid even during the federal pause.
- Take advantage of expanded Double Up Food Bucks: Use the increased flexibility to purchase fresh and frozen produce.
- Schedule a pantry appointment with LAHC: This provides reliable access to healthy food in a supportive environment.
- Explore LAHC’s additional food resources: These can help fill gaps while waiting for SNAP reinstatement.
- Encourage teens to join LAHC cooking classes: Food skills build confidence and reduce long-term insecurity.
FAQ: Dearborn Food Pantries and Assistance
What food pantry options are available in Dearborn?
Dearborn residents can access LAHC’s Thursday appointment-based food pantry, client-choice mobile markets, and periodic food bag giveaways. Additional free and discounted food resources are also available throughout the community.
Are SNAP benefits being distributed in Michigan for December?
At this time, December SNAP benefits remain uncertain and depend on whether federal funding is restored. While Michigan is prepared to issue benefits as soon as federal approval is granted, households should plan for the possibility of delays similar to November’s pause. In the meantime, existing EBT/Bridge Card funds remain usable, and programs like Double Up Food Bucks have expanded to help bridge the gap.
Can I still use funds already on my EBT/Bridge Card?
Yes. Existing SNAP funds remain valid during the pause.
What food assistance is available in Dearborn during the SNAP pause?
LAHC’s food pantry, Double Up Food Bucks, and local resources, including Detroit Food Pantry Finder, Wayne County Food Finder, and Community Fridges Detroit.
How do I schedule an appointment at LAHC’s food pantry?
Contact Katelyn Ososkie, LAHC Food Pantry Coordinator at (313) 380-4520.
Food Assistance in Dearborn: How to Get Help or Support LAHC
The SNAP disruption has created uncertainty for many families, but LAHC continues to provide stability, dignity, and access to nutritious food for Dearborn residents.
Our multi-layered approach, combining emergency food aid, education, and community partnership, strengthens the city during a challenging time.
Whether you need support, want to donate, or hope to get involved, LAHC remains a vital part of the solution.
Call LAHC at 313-846-8480 to learn more about our food assistance programs or to partner with us. To stay up-to-date with our events, sign up for the LAHC newsletter or follow LAHC on Facebook. If you’d like to support our mission for Wayne County community members, consider making a tax-deductible donation.