Livingston Today

The state of Michigan has taken action to help families affected by the suspension of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits during the ongoing federal government shutdown. House Appropriations Chair Ann Bollin (R-Brighton Township) announced that $4.5 million will be transferred from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services budget to the Food Bank Council of Michigan. This funding aims to support food banks in all 83 counties as they continue serving individuals and families who depend on SNAP.

“Families shouldn’t have to worry about how they’ll put food on the table because of political gridlock in Congress,” said Bollin. “I appreciate that the state is using resources we put in place through a responsible, bipartisan budget to help fill the gap and keep people fed.”

Bollin noted that while Congress remains at an impasse, Michigan’s state government has demonstrated bipartisan cooperation to protect residents from hardship. “Just a few weeks ago, both Lansing and Washington were staring down the possibility of a shutdown,” she said. “Here in Michigan, Republicans and Democrats worked together to pass a continuing budget plan that kept critical services running and ensured stability for our communities. Congress should take a page from our playbook — put people before politics and get the federal government back on track.”

The state's budget also includes support for programs like Double Up Food Bucks, which matches SNAP purchases of fruits and vegetables to help families afford healthy groceries. In addition, funding is provided for the statewide 2-1-1 program, connecting residents with local resources such as food banks, housing assistance, and other essential services.

Recently, the Fair Food Network made changes to increase flexibility within Double Up Food Bucks for those impacted by SNAP disruptions—removing expiration dates on unused benefits and expanding eligible items to include frozen produce.

Those experiencing delays in federal SNAP benefits can call 2-1-1 or visit the Food Bank Council of Michigan website for information about local food banks and hunger relief efforts.