Michigan has begun issuing full Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits again as of November 10. While the federal government remains shut down, the State of Michigan has taken steps to ensure families can continue to access food support.

Below are timely updates and resources that afterschool programs can share with caregivers.

SNAP Benefits Have Resumed

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has directed its SNAP EBT vendor to resume full benefit issuance for all SNAP recipients in Michigan.

Families who normally receive their benefits on the 9th should see their full allotment within 48 hours.
All other SNAP recipients will receive full benefit payments on their normally scheduled date.
Recipients with monthly issuance on the 3rd, 5th, and 7th of the month already received benefits last week.

Caregivers with questions should contact their local MDHHS office or check MI Bridges for updates.

State Support During the Federal Shutdown

During the ongoing federal government shutdown, Governor Whitmer has announced $4.5 million in state funding to support the Food Bank Council of Michigan. This investment will:

Help feed families in all 83 counties.
Support food delivery for families who cannot drive to a food bank.

Michigan has also continued programs that help families access affordable food, including:

Double Up Food Bucks (matches SNAP dollars to buy fruits/vegetables).
Free breakfast and lunch for Michigan’s 1.4 million public school students.

Key Resources for Families

Connect Families with Michigan 2-1-1

Families can dial 2-1-1 or visit Find Help – Michigan 2-1-1 for free, confidential referrals to local food programs and other support services. This service operates statewide and can connect families to pantries, meal programs, and additional community resources.

Locate Local Food Banks

The Food Bank Council of Michigan provides a directory of regional food banks that distribute food to community pantries and meal programs. This is a good first step for families in urgent need of groceries or emergency food assistance.

Promote the Double Up Food Bucks Program

Michigan’s Double Up Food Bucks Program—supported by a grant administered by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD)—matches SNAP dollars spent on fresh fruits and vegetables. This allows families to stretch their food budgets while accessing healthier options. Families can find participating stores and farmers markets at doubleupfoodbucks.org.

Direct Families to Official SNAP Channels

For questions about SNAP eligibility, benefit status, or application assistance, families should contact their local MDHHS office or visit MI Bridges for online information and updates.

Stay Informed and Share Updates

The SNAP Outreach page at the Food Bank Council of Michigan provides updates, outreach materials, and partnership opportunities for organizations like yours.

Additional Resources

The Michigan Nonprofit Association’s SNAP Resources page also includes helpful information, guides, and downloadable materials for organizations that wish to expand food assistance outreach.

As trusted community partners, afterschool programs are uniquely positioned to ensure that families know how to access nutritious food and critical support. Please consider:

Including SNAP resource links in your newsletters, parent communications, and social media posts.
Training staff on how to refer families to 2-1-1 or local food banks.
Hosting information tables or distributing flyers about Double Up Food Bucks and MI Bridges.

Together, we can help ensure every Michigan child has the nutrition they need to learn, grow, and succeed.