News Item

City of Racine Joins Community Effort to Support Residents During SNAP Benefit Pause

Beginning November 1, SNAP (FoodShare) benefits will be temporarily paused due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. This pause will affect thousands of Racine residents who depend on SNAP benefits for groceries and essential food items.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has confirmed that no new FoodShare funds will be issued until the shutdown ends. Residents can continue using any remaining funds on their QUEST cards, but should be aware that federal restrictions may limit card use if the shutdown continues into November.

FoodShare applications are still being accepted, though approvals for applications submitted on or after October 21 may be delayed until federal funding resumes. WIC benefits are not affected at this time and are expected to continue as scheduled.

Local Partners Mobilize Support

While the situation is federally controlled, Racine County Human Services, in partnership with the City of Racine, United Way of Racine County, the Racine Unified School District, and local nonprofits, is coordinating a community-wide response to ensure residents continue to have access to food and essential support.

“Food security is a basic need, and we’re working closely with our partners to ensure City of Racine residents can continue to access meals, food pantries, and other resources,” said Mayor Cory Mason. “This is a time for all of us to look out for one another.”

Where to Find Help

The Racine County Food Bank distributes more than 90,000 pounds of food each month to local pantries across the community. Although the Food Bank does not distribute food directly to individuals, it supports dozens of partner pantries that do.

For the most current list of food pantries and meal sites, visit: unitedwayracine.org/SNAP

You can also search directly on the 211 Wisconsin website by entering your ZIP code and searching for Food Pantries or Meal Sites.

RUSD will continue to provide all students with one complete breakfast and one complete lunch at no charge for the 2025–26 school year.

In addition, through the Extended Learning Program, students can participate in educational and enrichment activities and enjoy a nutritious Super Snack or Dinner at no cost.

Extended Learning meal sites include: Fratt, Gifford, Gilmore Fine Arts, Goodland Montessori (at West Ridge), Olympia Brown, Jerstad-Agerholm, S.C. Johnson, Knapp, Mitchell, Wadewitz, Schulte, Starbuck, and Julian Thomas.

All meals must be consumed on-site. Educational materials are available for students who are not part of the Extended Learning Program but would like to learn more while enjoying a meal.

Helpful Contacts

How to Help

Residents who wish to support community efforts can:

  • Donate food to the Racine County Food Bank (donation bins available at participating Pick ’n Save and Piggly Wiggly stores).
  • Host a food drive through your workplace, church, or organization.
  • Volunteer at a local pantry or the Food Bank.
  • Contribute financially through the United Way of Racine County website and select Food Insecurity under donation designations.

For more information about how to give or get help, visit:

🔗 unitedwayracine.org/SNAP
🔗 racinecounty.com/foodshare-delay
🔗 rusd.org/page/snap-benefits-delay

Download the Racine County Media Release from 10/23/2025.