Thousands of Metro Detroit families could temporarily lose access to food assistance starting Nov. 1 as the federal government shutdown halts funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Michigan’s Department of Health and Human Services said the state was instructed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to pause the release of November SNAP benefits until federal funding is restored. Households can continue to use any remaining funds on their Bridge Cards, but no new benefits will be issued during the lapse.
Local food banks and community organizations are preparing for a surge in need.
Almost two dozen states have filed a lawsuit arguing that President Donald Trump’s administration has the money to continue the benefits and is legally required to do so.
Where to get help
Families in need can call Michigan 2-1-1 for immediate referrals to food pantries, meal sites and emergency assistance programs. Operators are available 24 hours a day and can be reached by dialing 2-1-1, calling 844-875-9211, or texting a ZIP code to 898211. The service is free and confidential.
The Food and Other Resources (F.O.R.) Helpline, operated by the Food Bank Council of Michigan and Forgotten Harvest, offers multilingual help with finding local pantries and reapplying for benefits. The helpline number is 1-888-544-8773.
Two of the region’s largest food banks — Gleaners Community Food Bank and Forgotten Harvest — are expanding mobile food distributions in anticipation of higher demand. Gleaners can be reached at 866-GLEANER (453-2637) and Forgotten Harvest’s food finder is available on its website.
Other organizations providing food assistance include the Salvation Army Eastern Michigan Division, Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan, and Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries, which operates meal programs and emergency pantries across the city.
State and local assistance
Families may also apply for State Emergency Relief or cash assistance through the MI Bridges portal at newmibridges.michigan.gov or by calling 844-799-9876. These programs can help with emergency food, housing and utility costs.
Parents are encouraged to check with their local school districts for information about free and reduced-price meal programs, which will continue operating during the shutdown. Seniors can contact Focus: HOPE or Meals on Wheels for food deliveries or monthly boxes.
What to bring
Food pantries typically ask for a photo ID and proof of address, such as a utility bill or lease. Some may request information about household size or income, but many do not require documentation for emergency assistance. Call ahead to confirm what’s needed.
---> Seniors, families brace for the unexpected as SNAP benefits pause for November
Kristin Sokul, Senior Director of Advancement Communications, Marketing and Media/PR at Gleaners Community Food Bank, offered this statement to Local 4:
Gleaners is continuing to monitor requests for support with partners and community mobile distributions, which are starting to see more participation. There has also been an increase in requests for information about how to get support. We remain focused on increasing food purchases where necessary, increasing volunteer shifts to support more box builds, and looking at where hot spots may be to respond with mobiles.
Right now, there are three key ways that people can help: with their voices, their gifts and their time. Gleaners has strong relationships to access balanced nutrition from food sources at prices better than retail, so to address the urgent need in the near-term, monetary donations are preferred over food donations. This will help us support our partners in the charitable food network and flexibly resource our drive-up distributions while we continue to hope for a resolution at the federal level.