Great Lakes Wire

Yesterday, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer led 21 governors in sending a letter to the White House urging action to prevent disruption of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) during the ongoing federal government shutdown. The group expressed concern that millions of Americans could lose access to essential food assistance if SNAP benefits are halted.

According to the letter, SNAP supports 42 million people nationwide, including 16 million children, 8 million seniors, and 4 million individuals with disabilities. Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Agriculture instructed states to stop processing November SNAP benefits. In Michigan alone, this could affect approximately 1.4 million residents who rely on the program for groceries and nutritious meals.

Governor Whitmer stated, “Halting SNAP benefits will put millions of Americans at risk of hunger and poverty. SNAP is more than just a food assistance program, it’s a lifeline. It helps families put nutritious food on the table, supports local farmers and grocers, and strengthens our communities and economy. The USDA’s decision to delay SNAP assistance is unacceptable, and we urge the White House to provide the necessary funding to feed vulnerable Americans—our neighbors, family, and friends—in need.”

The governors’ letter emphasized the broader impact of SNAP: “SNAP lifts families out of poverty by allowing them to spend money that would otherwise have been used for food on rent, heat, or health care. We know that infants and children in families who receive SNAP are more likely to see a doctor for periodic check-ups. Additionally, older adults using SNAP are more likely to take the full dosage of the prescriptions they need because they have enough money to afford both food and medicine. No one should have to make those impossible choices.”

SNAP not only assists families but also has economic effects by supporting nearly 388,000 jobs across the country and generating over $20 billion in direct wages annually. The program contributes more than $4.5 billion in state and federal tax revenue each year.

To address potential gaps in food assistance due to federal disruptions, Governor Whitmer directed state departments to compile lists of regional and local resources for food support; continue programs such as Double Up Food Bucks—which provides extra funds for purchasing groceries including fresh produce—and Hunters Feeding Families—which helps distribute venison or other game meat; as well as maintain free breakfast and lunch programs for all public school students in Michigan.

Governor Whitmer has previously acted on this issue by signing bipartisan legislation in 2023 that removed asset tests for SNAP eligibility in Michigan—aiming to improve access and lower costs for residents needing food assistance. In June 2025 she joined other governors urging Congress not to enact a proposed $300 billion cut from SNAP funding in a Republican budget bill. Most recently in October 2025 Michigan joined a multistate lawsuit challenging actions by the Trump administration related to suspending SNAP benefits.

The full text of the governors’ letter can be viewed online.