Michigan SNAP Benefits to Pause in November Amid Federal Government Shutdown
Approximately 1.4 million Michigan residents will see their federal food assistance benefits suspended in November as a result of the ongoing federal government shutdown, which began October 1st.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced today that the distribution of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will be halted starting next month, impacting roughly 42 million individuals nationwide. “The impact of households losing SNAP benefits will be felt around the state,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director, in a news release. “SNAP is more than a food assistance program; it’s a lifeline for many Michigan families.” This disruption comes at a time when food insecurity is already on the rise, with rates increasing more sharply in 2022 than at any point since the 2008 Great Recession.
Local food banks are bracing for increased demand. Katlyn Cardoso, senior manager of marketing and communications for the Greater Lansing Food Bank, emphasized the precarious financial situation many families face. “The vast majority of us, we are just one unexpected expense, one unplanned medical emergency, one missed paycheck away from needing a resource like a food bank,” she said. Organizations like Feeding America report that over 100,000 people in the Greater Lansing area, including nearly 24,000 children, are already experiencing food insecurity. Efforts to mitigate the impact are underway, with groups like Food Rescue: Lansing Communities diverting food from businesses to local pantries – last year, they helped South Side Community Kitchen reduce meal costs from $2 to 80 cents per plate.
Volunteers and community organizations are preparing to fill the gap left by the paused SNAP benefits, with a focus on both immediate assistance and reducing food waste. Valerie Lafferty, site director of Food Rescue: Lansing Communities, highlighted their consistent success: “We’ve never missed a rescue… just call, we’ll set it up.” The shutdown underscores the critical role federal programs play in supporting vulnerable populations and the interconnectedness of economic stability and access to basic needs.
MDHHS officials stated they will resume benefit distribution as soon as they receive guidance from the federal government regarding the resolution of the shutdown.
