Grant, Brinks, Scholten Call for Action to Protect SNAP Benefits Amid Federal Shutdown

LANSING, Mich., Oct. 28, 2025 — State Rep. Kristian Grant (D-Grand Rapids), state Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids) and U.S. Rep. Hillary Scholten (D-Mich.) yesterday held a press conference urging immediate federal action to protect 1.4 million Michiganders at risk of losing SNAP benefits on Nov. 1 due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.

“SNAP remains one of the strongest and most reliable ways to combat hunger and insecurity for our families,” Rep. Grant said. “It is not a handout for freeloaders – it is a necessary safety net for hard working families, seniors, veterans and disabled members of our community. A suspension would leave them with no way to get by. This situation cannot continue. We are doing everything possible to shield families from this manufactured crisis, but the responsibility to end it now lies with state and federal Republicans. President Trump and Congress must act to safeguard this program before families are pushed into further hunger and hardship.”

SNAP is a vital support for Michigan families, especially during a time of rising grocery prices. In 2024, the average Michigan household using SNAP received $335 per month, helping 492,000 children, nearly 39,000 veterans and thousands of seniors and residents with disabilities. Beyond feeding families, SNAP boosts Michigan’s economy, generating nearly $300 million a month.

“We’re approaching November – a month centered around a shared meal on Thanksgiving – knowing that soon, food benefits for 1.4 million Michiganders will be jeopardized thanks to a manufactured political crisis,” Leader Brinks said. “Federal Republicans, who hold the White House and both chambers of Congress, have decided it’s okay for kids, veterans, people with disabilities and their families to go without access to the food support they rely on. While they continue their campaign to actively harm those struggling the most while cutting deals for their billionaire friends, Democrats at every level will keep fighting to hold the line. But I want to be clear — the longer the shutdown continues, the graver and more insurmountable the consequences become.”

“No West Michigan family should go hungry because Washington can’t do its job,” U.S. Rep. Scholten said. “Parents, seniors, people with disabilities – all these people and more rely on SNAP to put food on the table. I am grateful for the tireless work of our food banks and pantries here in West Michigan, but they cannot replace SNAP. The USDA has the ability to tap into the SNAP contingency fund to issue benefits to SNAP recipients. It must do so immediately.”

Grant emphasized that while local food banks and agencies are stepping up to fill gaps, only federal action can guarantee long-term stability. She stressed the importance of working with community partners and keeping residents informed of resources until benefits are restored.

“For every meal that charitable food provides, SNAP benefits provide. While charitable giving helps, it can’t substitute for the broad and reliable support provided by government benefits. If you are able, please consider donating to charitable food organizations like the Community Food Club or your local food pantry. We are in need of extra funding to support people through this challenging time and feed as many people as we possibly can,” AJ Fosse said, executive director of the Community Food Club, a nonprofit grocery store in Grand Rapids.

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