Upcoming SNAP Benefit Gap

The Kent County Essential Needs Task Force published the following statement on the upcoming SNAP Benefit Gap, which has implications for more than 73,000 individuals in Kent County.

The Kent County Food Policy Council, Essential Needs Task Force, and Pantry Network are deeply concerned that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and related WIC (Women, Children and Infants) payments are on hold for November. SNAP is one of the most effective anti-poverty tools we have and missed payments will have a dire impact on Michigan families. 1.4 million Michiganders rely on the program.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) received communication from the federal government’s Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) indicating that due to the ongoing federal government funding lapse, there may be limited availability of funds to pay full November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for approximately 42 million individuals across the nation. FNS has unfortunately directed MDHHS to hold November SNAP issuance and ongoing benefits until further notice.

This gap in benefits cannot be corrected or repaired by emergency food services. In a recent survey with emergency food providers in Kent County, we learned that use of emergency food services is already higher than ever: 73% say they have seen increased use of their services over the past year. Our partners cite job loss, increased food costs, and high cost of rent as major factors influencing this increase. The loss of SNAP will put even more strain on community members and the emergency food services that help meet their needs.

We know that SNAP works to tackle food insecurity: although more needs to be done to eliminate food insecurity, the program has largely eliminated severe hunger and malnutrition. SNAP reduces poverty by giving benefits to households to buy groceries, allowing them to spend more of their budgets on other basic needs, such as housing, electricity, and medical care.

WHAT THIS GAP MEANS FOR SNAP RECIPIENTS:

• If you currently have funds on your EBT card, you can continue using them, however, un-used benefits over 9 months old will be eliminated from available balance
• MDDHS will continue processing applications, renewals, and case changes.
• Check MI Bridges for updates that will be posted there as things change.

NEED FOOD NOW:

• 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.

WHAT YOU CAN DO NOW:

• Ask your local food pantries how you can help them.
• Share this alert so neighbors aren’t blindsided by a benefits gap.

For more information, visit Kent County ENTF.

For a comprehensive list of food pantries and meal services in Kent County, visit Feeding America West Michigan.