The federal government’s delay of SNAP benefits is prompting state lawmakers to strategize ways to ensure Michigan’s most vulnerable can continue being fed.
After Senate Democrats on Thursday passed a $71 million supplemental spending bill to bolster food assistance programs, Michigan House Democrats unveiled a plan to allocate around $600 million to pay for SNAP benefits through December.
The appropriations bill, SB 182, would provide $71 to make up for lost federal dollars in order to pay for SNAP benefits. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has confirmed the program that helps feed millions of Michiganders will be paused as of Nov. 1 during the federal government shutdown.
The bill passed 27-4.
Under the bill, $50 million would go toward the state’s Department of Health and Human Services for emergency food assistance, $20 million would fund an agricultural surplus system and emergency food bank grants. The state’s Double Up Food Bucks Program would receive another $1 million under the legislation.
It’s unclear whether the House, controlled by Republicans, will take up the legislation or if House Democrats will attempt to push through their own separate legislation. The bill approved in the Senate can’t be brought up in the House for a vote for five days.
“As state lawmakers, we must quickly collaborate with our constituents, nonprofit and faith-based food providers, and retailers to ensure Michiganders have access to adequate food, especially as we approach the winter season and the holidays, while food prices continue to rise,” state Rep. Tonya Myers Phillips, D-Detroit said in a statement. “This is why I am introducing legislation to provide food to vulnerable people and support food banks and pantries in this time of crisis.”
The federal government’s delay of SNAP benefits is placing low income Michiganders at risk of food insecurity.
SNAP, a critical program for families and individuals across Michigan to access food, is the nation’s largest food assistance program and one of the most effective tools to reduce food insecurity. Nearly 13% of Michigan households, approximately 1.4 million people, receive SNAP benefits. About 43% are families with children and 36% are families with members who are older adults or disabled.
“The impact of households losing SNAP benefits will be felt around the state,” MDDHS director Elizabeth Hertel said in a statement. “SNAP is more than a food assistance program; it’s a lifeline for many Michigan families. It helps families put nutritious food on the table, supports local farmers and grocers, and strengthens our communities and economy. We are strongly disappointed by the USDA’s decision to delay this assistance, and in Michigan we will do what we can to help blunt this impact.”
USDA in a statement blamed Congressional Democrats for the pending delay to its SNAP program.
Members of the Detroit Caucus called SNAP a lifeline for seniors, veterans and Michiganders on fixed incomes who rely on the benefits.’
“Food security is a fundamental human right, and it should be a priority even in the face of political chaos and economic challenges,” said state Rep. Stephanie A. Young, who chairs the Detroit Caucus. “The news of pausing the SNAP benefits will undoubtedly cause food insecurity in households across Michigan.”
Senate Republicans in the Michigan Legislature opposed a resolution introduced by Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks urging the USDA to release funding, citing what they said was partisan language. They blame Democrats for repeatedly voting against government funding bills over the extension of health insurance tax credits set to expire this year. The end of the tax credits will increase premiums for individuals under certain insurance plans.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Thursday announced she is leading a coalition of Democratic governors in a plea to the White House to prevent the disruption of the SNAP food assistance program.
State officials directed SNAP participants across Michigan to reach out to their local MDHHS office with any questions regarding their SNAP benefits or check MI Bridges for updates.
Resources across Michigan for food security:
- SNAP participants should reach out to their local MDHHS office with any questions regarding their SNAP benefits or check MI Bridges for updates.
- Dial 2-1-1 or visit mi211.org for free, confidential assistance and referrals to local food programs and support services.
- Visit FBCMich.org to locate nearby food banks and learn about additional hunger relief efforts.
- Pantrynet.org is an interactive map that has information about soup kitchens, food pantries and mobile delivery units in and around Wayne County and the Detroit metro area. Some locations may require you to sign up for free with Gleaners’ Link2Feed program.
