Dear Neighbor,

I want to make sure you are aware of an urgent development that will affect 1.4 million Michiganders who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

What’s Happening

As of Nov. 1, SNAP benefits will be 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. 

What 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 America.

  • 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.

In order for these proposals to move forward, Michigan House Republicans will need to work with House Democrats to keep meals on Michigan tables. 

At the federal level, the USDA has the ability to use contingency funds to keep SNAP benefits going, as it did during the 2019 shutdown. But the White House claims it lacks that authority. 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.

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.

Sincerely,

Peter Herzberg
State Representative
House District 25