Update on SNAP + Local Food Resources – Michigan Senate Democrats

Report on the Suspension of SNAP Benefits in Michigan and Mitigation Efforts

Introduction and Impact on Sustainable Development Goals

A directive from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has mandated a pause in the issuance of November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. This action, resulting from a federal government funding lapse, affects approximately 42 million individuals nationwide. This suspension poses a direct and immediate threat to the achievement of several key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:

• SDG 1 (No Poverty): The interruption of SNAP benefits removes a critical financial support system, pushing vulnerable families further into poverty.
• SDG 2 (Zero Hunger): The pause directly impacts food security for millions, creating a significant challenge to the goal of ending hunger and ensuring access to safe, nutritious food.
• SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): Food insecurity is intrinsically linked to negative health outcomes. The lack of access to adequate nutrition can lead to a decline in physical and mental well-being.
• SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities): The suspension disproportionately affects low-income households, children, and other vulnerable groups, thereby exacerbating existing inequalities.

The MDHHS is maintaining direct communication with all enrolled and pending SNAP applicants regarding the status of their benefits. It is confirmed that any benefits already issued and available on Bridge Cards remain accessible for use without interruption.

Governmental Response and Legislative Action

In response to the federal funding shortfall, the Michigan Senate has taken decisive action to uphold its commitment to its citizens and the SDGs. This demonstrates a commitment to SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) by ensuring state-level institutions can provide a safety net during a federal lapse.

1. Bipartisan Legislation: A legislative package was passed to immediately allocate $71 million for the continuation of SNAP benefits beyond November 1.
2. Support for Food Security Infrastructure: The funding is also designated to support food banks, pantries, and soup kitchens, reinforcing the community-level infrastructure essential for achieving SDG 2 (Zero Hunger).

This legislation has been advanced to the House for further consideration.

Community-Based Food Assistance Programs and Resources

Local Emergency Food Providers

A network of community organizations provides critical support to individuals and families facing food insecurity, forming a vital partnership in the effort to achieve SDG 2 (Zero Hunger). Residents of Senate District 28 in need of assistance are advised to contact the following providers, verifying hours of operation in advance:

• Catholic Charities of Ingham, Eaton, and Clinton Counties: (517) 372-4700
• Corunna United Methodist Church: 200 W. McArthur St., Corunna, MI 48817 | (989) 743-5050
• Greater Lansing Food Bank: (517) 853-7800
• MSU Food Bank & Basic Needs Program: 463 E. Circle Dr., Room 151, East Lansing, MI 48824 (Appointment only; for MSU community)
• Elsie Area Food Pantry: 219 S. Ovid St., Elsie, MI 48831 | (989) 388-8717
• Redeemer Church: 13980 Schavey Rd., DeWitt, MI 48820 | (517) 669-3430 (Clinton County residents only)
• Saint Johns Basic Needs Center: 213 N. Clinton Ave., St. Johns, MI 48879 | (517) 230-4618
• Michigan 211: A comprehensive resource hub connecting individuals to food assistance, shelter, and mental health support. Accessible by dialing 2-1-1 or visiting mi211.org.

Programmatic Enhancements in Response to the Crisis

The Fair Food Network has expanded its Double Up Food Bucks program, demonstrating an adaptive, partnership-based approach consistent with SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Effective through December 31, 2025, the program has implemented the following changes to better support families and promote SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by increasing access to fresh produce:

• Elimination of Expiration Dates: All earned Double Up benefits will no longer expire.
• Removal of Daily Earning Caps: The previous $20 per day earning limit has been removed.
• Expanded Eligibility: Frozen fruits and vegetables with no added salt, sugar, or oil are now eligible for the program.
• Introduction of “Bonus Bucks”: A limited-time $40 voucher is being distributed that does not require a matching SNAP purchase, directly addressing the current benefits gap.

Alternative Food Sourcing Initiatives

The Hunters Feeding Michigan program represents an innovative partnership between hunters, processors, and food pantries, aligning with SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). This initiative contributes to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by providing a valuable source of nutritious, high-protein venison to families in need, diversifying the food supply for aid organizations.

Call to Action for Community Support

Opportunities for Contribution and Volunteerism

The current crisis underscores the critical role of community engagement in achieving SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger). With over 1.5 million people in Michigan facing hunger, including one in five children, collective action is imperative. Citizens are encouraged to support the robust network of food security organizations through financial contributions, food donations, or volunteer service. Key organizations for support include:

• Greater Lansing Food Bank: Offers opportunities for hosting food drives, fundraising, and direct volunteer service.
• Food Bank Council of Michigan: A statewide organization that coordinates efforts to alleviate hunger.

These actions represent a tangible application of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), uniting public and private efforts to build resilient, food-secure communities.

1. SDGs Addressed in the Article

SDG 2: Zero Hunger

• The article’s primary focus is on the disruption of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), a key initiative for combating hunger. It highlights the immediate threat of food insecurity for “approximately 42 million individuals across the nation” and states that in Michigan, “over 1.5 million people face hunger, including 1 in 5 children.” The entire text revolves around providing emergency food resources and solutions to prevent hunger.

SDG 1: No Poverty

• The article addresses poverty by discussing SNAP, a social safety net program that helps low-income individuals and families. The text notes that people “depend on [SNAP] to make ends meet,” indicating that the loss of these benefits directly impacts their financial stability and pushes them further into poverty. The state’s legislative effort to provide “$71 million to continue SNAP benefits” is a direct anti-poverty measure.

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

• The article connects to good health by promoting access to nutritious food. The “Double Up Food Bucks Program” is highlighted for encouraging the purchase of “fresh produce” and expanding eligibility to include “frozen fruits and vegetables with no added salt, sugar, or oil.” The “Hunters Feeding Michigan” program also provides “nutritious venison to families in need.” These initiatives directly support healthier diets, which are crucial for well-being.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

• The article exemplifies multi-stakeholder collaboration. It describes a coordinated response involving federal (USDA), state (MDHHS, Michigan Senate), and local actors. It also showcases partnerships between the public sector and civil society organizations like the “Fair Food Network,” “Greater Lansing Food Bank,” “Food Bank Council of Michigan,” and various local charities and churches, all working together to address the food crisis.

2. Specific Targets Identified

Under SDG 2: Zero Hunger

• Target 2.1: “By 2030, end hunger and ensure access by all people, in particular the poor and people in vulnerable situations… to safe, nutritious and sufficient food all year round.” The article directly relates to this target by describing the threat to food access for millions due to the SNAP pause and outlining the emergency measures (food banks, community pantries, Double Up Food Bucks) being implemented to ensure people can still access sufficient food.

Under SDG 1: No Poverty

• Target 1.3: “Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all… and by 2030 achieve substantial coverage of the poor and the vulnerable.” SNAP is a key “social protection system” in the U.S. The article discusses the “funding lapse” of this system and the state-level legislative response to provide funding, which is an effort to maintain the “substantial coverage” of this system for vulnerable Michiganders.

Under SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

• Target 17.17: “Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships…” The article is a case study of this target in action. It details the collaboration between government bodies (USDA, MDHHS, State Senate) and a wide range of civil society partners (“Greater Lansing Food Bank,” “Fair Food Network,” “Catholic Charities,” “Hunters Feeding Michigan”) to deliver food assistance. The call for community members to donate or volunteer further strengthens this partnership model.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied

For SDG Target 2.1 (End Hunger)

• Prevalence of food insecurity: The article provides specific numbers that act as indicators of the scale of the problem. It mentions that the SNAP disruption affects “approximately 42 million individuals across the nation” and that in Michigan, “over 1.5 million people face hunger, including 1 in 5 children.” These figures can be used to measure the prevalence of individuals requiring food assistance.

For SDG Target 1.3 (Social Protection Systems)

• Proportion of population covered by social protection floors/systems: The article implies this indicator by stating the number of people affected by the pause in SNAP benefits (“42 million individuals”), representing a portion of the population covered by this specific social protection program.
• Government expenditure on social protection programs: The article mentions a specific financial commitment: the passing of “bipartisan legislation… to immediately provide $71 million to continue SNAP benefits.” This dollar amount is a direct indicator of government spending to support the social safety net.

For SDG Target 17.17 (Partnerships)

• Number of multi-stakeholder partnerships: While not a numerical count, the article implicitly indicates the strength of partnerships by listing numerous collaborating organizations. The extensive list under “Local Emergency Food Resources” (e.g., Catholic Charities, Greater Lansing Food Bank, MSU Food Bank, etc.) and the mention of programs like “Double Up Food Bucks” and “Hunters Feeding Michigan” demonstrate a broad network of public and civil society partnerships working towards a common goal.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: senatedems.com