MI To Provide $4.5M To Food Banks Amid SNAP Benefits Pause

Editor's Note: Updated Oct. 31 after a ruling from two federal judges

Michigan will provide $4.5 million to the Food Bank Council of Michigan to feed families amid the federal government’s decision to pause SNAP benefits starting Nov. 1, the governor's office said Thursday.

But on Friday, two federal judges nearly simultaneously ordered the Trump Administration to cover SNAP benefits with contingency funds.

The rulings came a day before the U.S. Department of Agriculture planned to freeze Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program payments during the ongoing government shutdown.

It wasn't immediately clear how quickly the debit cards beneficiaries use to buy groceries can be reloaded after the ruling, a process that often takes one to two weeks.

"Hungry families cannot wait for the folks in power in Washington, DC to do their jobs," Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer said. "We take care of each other in Michigan, and we will continue bringing together public and private philanthropic resources to feed people as we hit day 30 of the federal government shutdown and approach the November 1 pause of SNAP."

The funding came from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

"No one should go hungry and that’s why we’re sending out these emergency funds to help Michigan children, seniors and people with disabilities who are facing food insecurity," said State Budget Director Jen Flood.

• Related — MI Among States Suing Trump Administration Over Suspended SNAP Benefits

The news comes just after Michigan joined 25 other states that claim the Trump administration is unlawfully suspending the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program during the ongoing government shutdown.

Nearly 13 percent of Michigan households, roughly 1.4 million people, receive federal SNAP benefits. About 43 percent of those are families with children and 36 percent are families with members who are older adults or disabled.

Temporary food assistance for eligible low-income families and individuals is available from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Use MI Bridges to apply for assistance, check your eligibility status and manage your account online.

To find additional resources:

• Dial 2-1-1 or visit Find Help - Michigan 2-1-1 for free, confidential assistance and referrals to local food programs and support services.
• Visit the Food Bank Council of Michigan to locate nearby food banks and learn about additional hunger relief efforts.

The shutdown began on Oct. 1 when the new federal fiscal year began without an appropriation by Congress to fund the federal government.

Democrats insist on a resolution to reverse the Medicaid cuts in Trump's mega-bill passed this summer and extend tax credits for health insurance premiums through the marketplaces established by the Affordable Care Act.

On Thursday, Trump called on the Senate to scrap the filibuster, so that the Republican majority can bypass Democrats and reopen the federal government.