Wayne County OKs $1 million agreement with Forgotten Harvest to expand food boxes after SNAP pause

Wayne County commissioners approved a $1,000,000 comparable-source agreement with Forgotten Harvest to expand weekly food-box distributions to approximately 45,000 households after a temporary 2025 pause in SNAP benefits highlighted local vulnerabilities.

Kanielle Johnson, director of Health Human Investment Services, told the committee the agreement builds on Forgotten Harvest's existing countywide infrastructure and aims to place food boxes at pantries and sites closest to the highest concentrations of SNAP recipients. Eric Candela, director of government relations at Forgotten Harvest, attended the meeting and described increased demand and longer lines at distribution points "where food insecurity seems to be increasing." The department said the agreement will use county general/post-ARPA funds rather than a federal grant.

Commissioners and staff discussed sustainability and whether the county would look to maintain the effort in subsequent fiscal years. Staff said the goal is to sustain the relationship and integrate the distribution strategy into ongoing supports, but long-term funding will depend on future budget approval.

The committee voted in favor of the agreement and the motion carried.

What happens next: staff will implement the expanded distribution plan with Forgotten Harvest and report back on deployment and any required budget actions.