 Dear Friend,
Earlier this week, I led a group of governors in a letter calling on the White House to prevent disruption of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) during the federal government shutdown.
SNAP is more than just a food assistance program, it’s a lifeline. Forty-two million Americans, including 16 million children and 8 million seniors, rely on SNAP to buy groceries so they can feed themselves and their families. SNAP also supports local farmers and grocers and strengthens our communities and economy.
Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) instructed states to stop processing SNAP benefits for November. This would leave 1.4 million Michiganders without enough money to put food on the table. The USDA’s decision is unacceptable, and we urge the White House to provide the necessary funding to feed vulnerable Americans—our neighbors, family, and friends—in need.
I want Michiganders to know that I am doing everything I can to bring home more federal funding for SNAP and reduce hunger in our state. If you receive SNAP benefits or you have questions about what we’re doing to help Michiganders feed their families during this time, please check out the below section for more information and additional resources.
In Michigan, we support our friends and neighbors. I will continue working to make sure Michiganders can put food on the table and pushing our federal partners to reach a deal that avoids more harm to Michigan families.
Sincerely,
 Gretchen Whitmer
Governor
Actions to Protect SNAP & Reduce Hunger
The USDA has instructed the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) to hold November SNAP issuance and until further notice due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.
This unfortunately means that SNAP food assistance for approximately 1.4 million individuals across Michigan, nearly 13% of Michigan households, may be delayed this upcoming month, placing some Michiganders at risk of food insecurity and poverty.
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To reduce hunger during this time, I encourage anyone struggling with food insecurity to use these additional resources:
- Dial 2-1-1 or visit Find Help - Michigan 2-1-1 for free, confidential assistance and referrals to local food programs and support services.
- Visit the Food Bank Council of Michigan website to locate nearby food banks and learn about additional hunger relief efforts.
- Call the Double Up Food Bucks program hotline at 866-586-2796, 9 am – 5 pm ET, Monday – Friday. Until December 31st, the Double Up Food Bucks program, which matches SNAP purchases of fruits and vegetables, will expand access and flexibility so families can build up savings on their Double Up cards. Find a participating location near you: DoubleUpFoodBucks.org/find-a-location.
To keep helping Michiganders feed their families, I have directed state departments to:
- Take action to provide $4.5 million to 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.
- Provide Michiganders with information to access regional and local programs and resources people can use to get food.
- Continue Double Up Food Bucks, a program that gives Michigan families money to purchase groceries, including fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Support Hunters Feeding Families, a program that helps Michiganders get venison or other fresh game to feed their families.
- Continue feeding all 1.4 million public school students free breakfast and lunch.
SNAP participants should reach out to their local MDHHS office with any questions regarding their SNAP benefits or check MI Bridges for updates.
November SNAP Benefits FAQ
I received information that my SNAP benefits for November will be delayed. Is this true?
- Yes, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) received notification from the federal government’s Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) that because of the federal government shutdown there may be a delay with November SNAP benefits.
Why are my SNAP or food assistance program benefits being delayed?
- Per USDA FNS, due to the federal government shutdown there will be insufficient funds to pay for November SNAP benefits if the shutdown continues.
How many months will benefits be impacted?
- Currently, there is only an expected delay for November benefits. We will continue to monitor the situation and update constituents if the federal shutdown continues beyond November and causes further delays.
What can I do to prepare for the delay in November benefits?
- If you have SNAP benefits on your Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card from previous months, you will still be able to use those benefits.
- We strongly encourage you to connect with 211 for food resources in your area. Call 2-1-1 or visit MI211.org/food-assistance for more information.
When the federal government shutdown ends, will I still receive my November SNAP benefits?
- Yes, once FNS notifies MDHHS that they are legally allowed to release November SNAP benefits, they will be loaded onto your EBT card.
Can I still apply for SNAP benefits during the federal government shutdown if my case is closed?
- Yes, FNS has advised that households should continue submitting applications.
I have a SNAP redetermination scheduled for November, should I still submit my paperwork to my MDHHS specialist?
- Yes, MDHHS specialists will continue to process SNAP redeterminations and case changes.
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