The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said that November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits are temporarily on hold due to the federal government shutdown. About 1.4 million Michigan residents who use Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program may be affected, including households with children, elderly, or disabled members. The department said, "The impact of households losing SNAP benefits will be felt around the state." MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel said, "SNAP is more than a food assistance program; it's a lifeline for many Michigan families," as reported by Michigan Advance.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program provides food assistance to many Michigan residents. According to state health officials and CBS News Detroit, about 13% of households in Michigan use the program, with each receiving an average of $335 per month. The federal shutdown has led the USDA to temporarily stop issuing these benefits in the state.
Michigan health officials are helping residents access food as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits are delayed due to the federal government shutdown. MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel said, "We are strongly disappointed by the USDA’s decision to delay this assistance, and in Michigan we will do what we can to help blunt this impact," as mentioned by ClickOnDetroit. The state shared information on food banks, calling 2-1-1 for help, and checking MI Bridges for updates, and urged residents to contact their local MDHHS office with questions.
