Dear Neighbor,
On Nov. 1, SNAP benefits were paused due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. In Michigan, nearly 1.4 million people rely on SNAP, including 492,000 children, 38,500 veterans, and hundreds of thousands of seniors and people with disabilities.
How It Impacts Families
This pause comes at a time when grocery prices are rising and families are already stretched thin. Most SNAP households are working adults, but their wages simply aren’t enough to cover basic needs without assistance. On average, SNAP provides $335 per month per household — totaling nearly $300 million each month flowing into Michigan’s grocery stores, farmers markets and local businesses. Without it, families will likely face the impossible choice between food, medicine, rent or utilities.
SNAP Update
Late last month, federal judges ruled that the federal administration must release SNAP benefits from its contingency fund, as it did during the 2019 shutdown. In response, the administration said it would distribute SNAP funds, but payments would be half the normal amount.
Furthermore, there is still no clear indication on when the SNAP funds will show up in recipients’ accounts. Following the judges’ decisions, federal messaging has been mixed regarding when SNAP recipients can expect to see their benefits, with some estimates putting delays anywhere between a few weeks and a few months. This lack of clarity from the administration is simply unacceptable — Michiganders need clear answers now.
Ultimately, benefits could be restored immediately if Washington ends the shutdown.
SNAP Resources
If your household is impacted, please know that help is available:
- Dial 2-1-1 or visit Find Help – Michigan 2-1-1 for confidential referrals to local food programs and services.
- Visit the Food Bank Council of Michigan to locate nearby food banks and hunger relief efforts.
- Check your MI Bridges account for the latest updates on SNAP benefits.
Hot Meal Resources
Catholic Charities – Cristo Rey Campus
- 1717 N. High St., Lansing, MI, 48906
- Hot breakfast: Monday – Friday; 9–10:30 a.m.
- Hot lunch: Monday – Friday; 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
Salvation Army
- 525 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Lansing, MI, 48912
- Hot lunch: Tuesday – Friday; noon–1 p.m.
Southside Community Kitchen
- 5509 S. Pennsylvania Ave., Lansing, MI, 48911
- Hot Lunch: Monday – Wednesday; 11:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m.
- 2511 Reo Road, Lansing, MI, 48911
- Hot lunch: Tuesday and Thursday; 11:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m.
Advent House Ministries Weekend Day Shelter
- 743 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Lansing, MI, 48915
- Hot meals: Saturday and Sunday; 8 a.m., 11:30 a.m and 3 p.m.
- Sack lunch provided: Monday – Friday; 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Holy Cross Services New Hope Kitchen
- 200 N. Foster Ave., Lansing, MI, 48912
- Hot breakfast: Monday – Friday; 8:30–9:30 a.m.
- Hot dinner: Monday – Friday; 4:30–5:30 p.m.
Lansing City Rescue Mission
- 415 W. Kalamazoo St., Lansing, MI, 48933
- Hot meals daily if signed in before 6 p.m.
More 77th District Food Pantry Resources Here
What Michigan House Democrats are Doing to Fight for SNAP
House Democrats are moving forward with legislation to fight to protect Michigan families, including the following proposals:
- Securing Fresh Food Access: A proposal to create a $600 million emergency supplemental fund for food assistance SNAP recipients.
- Keeping Food Banks Stocked: A proposed additional $12.5 million to support the Food Bank Council of Michigan.
- Keeping Food on the Table: A proposed additional $12.5 million for local food pantries.
- Calling for Federal Action: Resolutions urging the U.S. President, Congressional Republicans and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to end the shutdown and guarantee uninterrupted SNAP benefits.
Michigan families work hard, play by the rules and deserve the dignity of knowing they can put food on the table. I will keep fighting to make sure Washington lives up to that promise.
In Solidarity,
State Representative Emily E. Dievendorf
House District 77