DETROIT, Mich., Nov. 7, 2025 — Today, members of the Detroit Caucus and the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus joined Michigan House legislative staff to volunteer to help residents in and around Detroit with food security.

“As the federal shutdown continues for another week, becoming the longest in history, individuals and families are feeling the pressure of higher grocery costs and lack of clarity around receiving full SNAP benefits,” said state Rep. Stephanie A. Young, (D-Detroit), Detroit Caucus Chair. “SNAP is a lifeline for 1.4 million people in Michigan — children, seniors, veterans and disabled Michiganders on fixed incomes rely on these benefits to live. We can’t afford to wait for the feds to get it together. Instead, we’re taking action in Detroit to make sure people don’t go hungry, especially just ahead of the holidays.”

The day of service was spent with the Cass Community Social Services Center at their kitchen facilities in Detroit. Members and staff worked behind the scenes at the center, preparing food for distribution, receiving and organizing non-perishables and helping the center staff and regular volunteers brace for the increase of need in the area.

“Hunger can’t wait and we will fight to make sure our communities’ basic needs are met. That’s why our Caucus members are fighting for a $600 million emergency SNAP assistance fund to provide families with full benefits through the holidays, and another $25 million to food pantries. And, we’re proud to partner with Cass Community Social Services Center to distribute food immediately. It is appalling that the courts have to order the Trump administration and Washington Republicans to provide full SNAP benefits and feed hungry families. While this is sadly being fought in the courts, the Detroit Caucus is stepping up to make sure families don’t go hungry,” said state Rep. Tonya Myers Phillips (D-Detroit), Detroit Caucus Treasurer. 

About Cass Community Social Services:

Cass prepares and serves 700,000 meals a year to those experiencing homelessness and/or living in poverty. Food at Cass is sourced from community gardens and food rescuers like community partners at Gleaners and Forgotten Harvest. Faith-based organizations, schools, corporate groups and fraternities/sororities also provide Cass with canned food which is distributed to neighbors and those in need. In addition, Cass receives several hundreds of pounds of meat from hunters in Northern Michigan each fall. With these partners, Cass is able to provide healthy and well-balanced meals every day of the week.

About SNAP Benefits and Who’s Impacted in Michigan:

In FY 2024, the average SNAP household in Michigan received $335.03 in SNAP benefits per month, which is about $173 per person per month or $5.68 per person per day.

Households with very low incomes receive more SNAP benefits than households closer to the poverty line because they need more help affording nutritious food. SNAP funding also supports approximately 388,000 jobs, more than $20 billion in direct wages. Fast facts about Michigan’s SNAP program include:

  • 492,225 children benefit from SNAP.
  • 38,513 veterans participate in SNAP.
  • 36% SNAP households have older adults.
  • 43% SNAP households have children.
  • 51% of households have a person with a disability.
  • 78% of SNAP households include someone with earned income.
  • More than 9,700 retailers accept SNAP. In 2023, retailers redeemed over $3.6 billion in SNAP.

Resources for Detroiters:

Residents in the city of Detroit can visit the city’s website for more help with food security, including locating food pantries and hours of operation for pantries nearby. Residents may also find places to volunteer during the SNAP uncertainty. Oftentimes, volunteer opportunities include:

  • Food distribution and pantry support
  • Packing and delivering food boxes
  • Assisting at community meals and nutrition events
  • Helping connect families with local food resources

For more information, visit: https://detroitmi.gov/.

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