News & Media
Supporting Patients Through Food Insecurity: What’s Happening with SNAP in Michigan
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), known in Michigan as the Food Assistance Program (FAP), is a vital resource that helps approximately 1.4 million Michigan residents, nearly 13% of Michigan households, put food on the table. About 43% of those receiving assistance are families with children, and 36 percent are households with seniors or people with disabilities.
For many physicians, food insecurity isn’t a distant policy issue, it’s something their patients live with every day. Poor nutrition contributes to higher rates of chronic disease, worsened outcomes, and increased hospitalizations. By helping patients connect with food assistance, physician offices can play a direct role in improving community health and reducing health disparities.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced on Wednesday, Nov. 5, that households will begin getting partial payments starting Saturday, Nov. 8. This is in response to the federal government reducing SNAP allotments, to about 50% of recipients' payments for November during the shutdown. SNAP recipients who normally receive their benefits on the third, fifth or seventh of the month will receive their partial SNAP allotment Saturday, Nov. 8. All other SNAP recipients will receive partial benefits on their normally scheduled date. The partial benefit payments will be funded from SNAP contingency funds (a federal reserve for emergencies) while the federal funding impasse remains unresolved.
Despite the use of contingency funds, SNAP is still caught in the crosshairs of the ongoing federal government shut down and budget stalemate. The program will undergo significant shifts due to the passage of H.R. 1 in July of 2025, including expanded work requirements for recipients and the shifting of more program costs to the states. For physicians and patients alike, these changes translate to reduced purchasing power, greater administrative hurdles, and increased risk of food insecurity.
In response to federal funding uncertainty for SNAP, Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Michigan lawmakers have acted quickly to support families in need. On October 30, the governor announced $4.5 million to the Food Bank Council of Michigan to strengthen food banks and pantries while federal benefits face potential delays. On the same day, the Michigan Senate passed legislation proposing a $71 million emergency fund to help stabilize food assistance programs if federal SNAP benefits are disrupted; the bill still requires approval from the Michigan House of Representatives. Governor Whitmer also led a multistate letter signed by 21 governors urging the White House to prevent
interruptions in SNAP funding, emphasizing the importance of food assistance for families, farmers, and the broader economy.
Access to the Double Up Food Bucks program, which matches SNAP dollars spent on fresh or frozen produce and maintains the state’s free school meals program for more than 1.4 million public school students has been expanded. The changes to the Double Up Food Bucks program are effective immediately and in place through Dec. 31:
- The Fair Food Network has lifted a 90-day limit for shoppers to use their Double Up Food Bucks meaning there's no expiration.
- The program has also lifted the daily earning cap of $20 per day. Previously, shoppers could buy fresh fruits and vegetables from participating locations, up to $20 daily, and get matched dollar for dollar to double their purchasing power. Now, the match limit is unlimited.
- Shoppers can now use their Double Up Bucks to buy frozen fruits and vegetables without added sugar, salt and oil.
- NEW: Double Up Bonus Bucks, a limited-time voucher of $40 that will not require a matching SNAP purchase to receive. It can be used exclusively on fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables beginning Nov. 1 and will be distributed:
o Directly onto Double Up cards and app, or loyalty cards at participating sites, where applicable.
o As printed vouchers for shoppers using tokens or coupons at participating locations.
For more information about the Double Up Food Bucks program, go to doubleupfoodbucks.org. Call the program's hotline at 866-586-2796 (9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday) for questions. Find a participating location at DoubleUpFoodBucks.org/find-a-location.
Physicians and their teams are uniquely positioned to help. Consider integrating a simple food insecurity screening into intake or annual wellness visits. If patients indicate concern, offer a referral to Michigan’s SNAP resources or local food programs. Importantly, alert patients that benefit disruptions and reductions are happening, and encourage them to keep their contact information current with the state, apply or recertify early, and explore alternative options such as local food pantries or the Double Up program.
Key Resources
- SNAP (Food Assistance Program): MI Bridges
- Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS): michigan.gov/mdhhs
- Food Bank Council of Michigan – SNAP Outreach: 1-888-544-8773 or fbcmich.org
- Double Up Food Bucks Program: doubleupfoodbucks.org
- 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.
To find area food pantries and other resources, go to: