Great Lakes Wire

The State of Michigan has announced a $4.5 million allocation to the Food Bank Council of Michigan in response to the upcoming pause in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. This funding aims to provide food assistance across all 83 counties, including delivery services for those unable to travel to local food banks.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer stated, “Hungry families cannot wait for the folks in power in Washington, DC to do their jobs. Today, in light of the USDA’s decision to freeze SNAP, the State of Michigan is taking action to support the Food Bank Council of Michigan so they can continue feeding families in all 83 counties and deliver food to those who are unable to drive. We take care of each other in Michigan, and we will continue bringing together public and private philanthropic resources to feed people as we hit day 30 of the federal government shutdown and approach the November 1 pause of SNAP. We will continue to do what we can in Michigan to help impacted families.”

Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II commented on the situation: “SNAP helps countless Michiganders put food on the table and feed their families when times are tough. The federal government’s decisions have put SNAP in jeopardy, making it harder for families to stay out of poverty and stay healthy. That’s unacceptable. Today’s action will shore up community food banks who are working to fill the gap caused by the shutdown and get Michiganders relief. The State of Michigan will continue to Stand Tall so more families can get the resources they need to eat.”

Speaker of the House Matt Hall (R-Richland Township) highlighted bipartisan efforts at the state level: “Republicans and Democrats in Michigan were able to come together and work across the aisle to keep the state government open and pass a budget that moves Michigan forward. Because we did the right thing and kept state government on the job, we are now able to step up with this critical support for our local food banks, ensuring they have the resources they need to protect our communities and keep Michigan families strong. But this will never be a long-term solution and state government can only make up so much of the federal government’s spending. Congress must follow our lead and keep more Michigan families from being hurt by this shutdown.”

State Budget Office Director Jennifer Flood directed funds through MDHHS following a letter from 21 governors urging federal authorities for contingency SNAP funding.

“No one should go hungry and that's why we're sending out these emergency funds to help Michigan children, seniors and people with disabilities who are facing food insecurity,” said State Budget Director Jen Flood. “The federal government shutdown has created serious uncertainty for millions of Americans who rely on SNAP to put food on the table. This emergency funding will help food banks across the state support vulnerable Michiganders.”

Elizabeth Hertel, director of MDHHS, addressed concerns about delayed benefits: “With the delay in November SNAP benefits, the roughly 1.4 million Michiganders who receive food benefits are facing an impossible choice between putting food on the table and covering other basic needs. The Food Bank Council of Michigan and our philanthropic partners are stepping up to help fill the gap to ensure that our friends and neighbors have access to basic nutrition needed to live, work and thrive.”

SNAP is administered federally by USDA Food and Nutrition Service but operated locally by states like Michigan which determine eligibility based on household income, assets, expenses such as rent or medical costs for seniors or people with disabilities.

Nearly 13% of households—about 1.4 million residents—receive SNAP benefits statewide; among them are children (43%), older adults or disabled members (36%), veterans (38,513), households with earned income (78%), children benefiting directly (492,225), while over half include someone with a disability.

In fiscal year 2024, average monthly benefits per household were $335 ($173 per person), redeemable at over 9,700 retailers statewide which last year processed more than $3.6 billion through SNAP transactions.

For further information or assistance regarding SNAP benefits during this period:

- Residents may contact their local MDHHS office or check MI Bridges.

- Additional support is available via dialing 2-1-1 or visiting Find Help - Michigan 2-1-1.

- Information about nearby food banks can be found at Food Bank Council of Michigan.

- Programs such as Double Up Food Bucks offer extra funds for groceries; Hunters Feeding Program provides high-protein meals from donated game; free school breakfasts/lunches remain available under FY26 budget; afterschool Supper/Snacks programs continue; Emergency Food Assistance supplements diets for eligible individuals.