Due to the federal government shutdown, new FoodShare (SNAP) benefits will not be available beginning Saturday, November 1. However, shoppers can roll over any unused benefits from October to pay for eligible groceries in November.
Current Status
Upd. 10/29
Things are continuing to change, and we appreciate everyone’s efforts to stay up to date as the federal government clarifies how it intends to proceed during the federal shutdown.
DHS is updating the information about the November delay in benefits on the FoodShare news page: During the evening of Friday, October 24, the federal government provided additional information about FoodShare use during the federal shutdown. You may use any benefits currently on your QUEST card in November. To be clear, benefits that are already on your card will not be removed because of the shutdown and you can continue to use your current benefits to buy food during the shutdown.
The USDA communication confirmed that November benefits are suspended for the length of the shutdown.
Important Notice for Wisconsin Shoppers
Due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, FoodShare/SNAP benefits for November will be delayed. This means many customers may not have funds available on their cards during November, including any remaining October balances.
What you need to know:
- WIC benefits remain available for October and November.
- SNAP benefits will resume only after the shutdown ends.
- This situation may affect shopping patterns and increase demand at local food pantries.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work through this temporary disruption.
Statewide & Government Food Assistance Programs
- FoodShare Wisconsin (SNAP)
- Administered by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS).
- Provides monthly benefits to low-income individuals and families to purchase food.
- Status: Benefits delayed due to federal government shutdown. Remaining balances on QUEST cards can still be used in November.
- Apply or manage benefits: ACCESS Wisconsin [access.wi.gov]
- Eligibility & Application Info: FoodShare Eligibility [dhs.wisconsin.gov]
- The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)
- Provides 3–5 day emergency food supplies via local pantries.
- Available in all 72 counties.
- Eligibility: Low-income households; no income verification required for soup kitchens/shelters.
- Find TEFAP locations: Call 211 or visit TEFAP Info [dhs.wisconsin.gov]
- WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)
- Nutritional support for pregnant women, infants, and children under 5.
- Includes Farmers Market Nutrition Program.
- Status: WIC benefits remain available during the shutdown. [tmj4.com]
- WIC Program Info
- Senior Nutrition Programs
- Includes Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program and Elder Nutrition Program.
- Offers meals at senior centers and home delivery.
County-Level & Regional Food Banks
Feeding Wisconsin Network
Statewide association of six Feeding America food banks serving all 72 counties.
Regional Food Banks & Their Service Areas
|
Food Bank |
Counties Served |
Website |
|
Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin |
Dane, Rock, Sauk, Columbia, Dodge, Jefferson, Green, Lafayette, Iowa, Grant, Richland, Crawford, Vernon, Monroe, Juneau, Adams |
|
|
Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin |
35 counties including Milwaukee, Brown, Outagamie, Winnebago, Sheboygan, Fond du Lac |
feedingamericawi.org [dhs.wisconsin.gov] |
|
Feed My People Food Bank |
Northwestern WI: Eau Claire, Chippewa, Dunn, Barron, Rusk, Sawyer, Taylor, Washburn |
fmpfoodbank.org [dhs.wisconsin.gov] |
|
Hunger Task Force |
Milwaukee County |
hungertaskforce.org [dhs.wisconsin.gov] |
|
St. Croix Valley Food Bank |
Burnett, Pierce, Polk, St. Croix |
stcroixvalleyfoodbank.org [dhs.wisconsin.gov] |
|
Lakeshore CAP (TEFAP) |
Door, Kewaunee, Manitowoc, Ozaukee, Sheboygan, Washington |
Local Food Pantries & Emergency Resources
Searchable Directories
Notable Pantries
- Living Faith Food Pantry – Viroqua, WI
- The River Food Pantry – Madison, WI
- Sunshine Place – Sun Prairie, WI
Emergency & Referral Services
211 Wisconsin
- Call 211 or 877-947-2211
- Text ZIP code to 898211
- Visit: 211wisconsin.communityos.org [wisconsine…aminer.com]
Milwaukee-Specific Resources
- Hunger Task Force Mobile Market – Grocery store on wheels with discounted prices.
- Community Fridges – Tricklebee Café, One MKE, Metcalfe Park Community Bridges.
- UMOS Food Pantry – Serves ZIP codes 53207 & 53221.
- NourishMKE – Market-style food centers.
- Milwaukee Christian Center – Pantry & community services.
How to Help or Get Help
- Donate: Monetary donations to food banks are highly effective—every $1 can provide up to 3 meals.
- Volunteer: Food banks and pantries need help sorting, packing, and distributing food.
- Advocate: Contact state legislators to support emergency funding for FoodShare and food security programs.