The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is not just a food benefit. For many Michigan families, older adults, veterans, and individuals with disabilities, it is a lifeline that helps put food on the table and eases the burden of other daily expenses.
In late October, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service directed the state to temporarily pause issuance of November SNAP benefits. This decision affects approximately 1.4 million Michiganders. Almost half of the households receiving assistance include children, and more than one third include seniors or individuals with disabilities.
This pause has created significant concern for families who rely on SNAP to maintain access to healthy meals and financial stability.
Why This Pause Matters
SNAP provides more than food security. It also strengthens local economies and supports essential needs. When benefits are delayed, families often face difficult choices between paying for groceries, rent, utilities, or medical care.
SNAP is also a powerful economic driver in Michigan. More than 9,700 retailers across the state accept SNAP, keeping shelves stocked and supporting local businesses. In 2023 alone, retailers redeemed over $3.6 million in benefits.
Who Is Affected
The delay in SNAP issuance affects a wide range of Michigan residents:
- Children: Nearly 492,225 Michigan children benefit from SNAP each year.
- Veterans: More than 38,000 veterans receive assistance.
- Older adults: Over one third of SNAP households include someone age 60 or older.
- Individuals with disabilities: More than half of households include at least one person with a disability.
- Working families: Seventy-eight percent of households include at least one person with earned income.
This data underscores that SNAP is not a “handout.” It is an essential program for working families, veterans, seniors, and individuals with health challenges.
What SNAP Participants Should Do
If you are a SNAP participant in Michigan, it is important to stay informed and connected:
- Check MI Bridges for the most up-to-date information regarding your benefits.
- Contact your local MDHHS office with any questions.
- Call 2-1-1 for free and confidential referrals to local food assistance programs.
- Visit the Food Bank Council of Michigan to locate nearby food banks and learn more about community support.
Community Resources Available Now
While families await updates, several organizations are stepping up to provide help:
- Michigan 2-1-1: Call or visit Find Help for confidential referrals to food programs.
- Food Bank Council of Michigan: Find statewide food bank information.
- Oakland Provider Alliance Food Drive: Donations of nonperishable food and hygiene products are being collected at multiple Oakland County locations.
- Gleaners Community Food Bank: Offering free distributions, such as the recent event at the Oakland County Farmers Market, where families received 30 pounds of groceries.
- Forgotten Harvest: Offers food rescue and redistribution services to combat hunger in Metro Detroit, providing rescued surplus food, including fresh produce, meat, and dairy, free of charge to those in need.
These resources can help bridge the gap while SNAP benefits remain paused.
Looking Ahead
The uncertainty surrounding federal funding and its impact on SNAP is understandably stressful. At Disability Law Group, we understand how critical programs like SNAP are for individuals and families living with disabilities, fixed incomes, or other financial challenges. Access to nutritious food is not optional. It is a basic right that supports health, dignity, and independence.
Our team is here to provide not only legal advocacy for disability benefits, but also guidance toward community resources that may help during times of disruption. We will continue to monitor this situation closely and share updates to keep you informed.
We Are Here to Help
If you or a loved one are worried about how the pause in SNAP benefits will affect your household, or if you need assistance navigating disability benefits and related resources, Disability Law Group is here for you. We believe every person deserves access to the benefits and support systems that protect health and stability.
Contact us today for a free consultation. Let us stand by your side and help ensure you have the support you need.
