How MSU Extension is helping Michiganders weather SNAP delays

President Donald Trump’s administration announced Monday that it will partially fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, for November after two judges issued rulings requiring the government to keep the nation’s largest food aid program running.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, which oversees SNAP, had planned to freeze payments starting Nov. 1, saying it could no longer sustain funding during the federal government shutdown. The program, which serves about one in eight Americans, is a major piece of the nation’s food security system and costs more than $8 billion per month nationally. The government says an emergency fund will provide $4.65 billion — enough to cover about half the normal benefits.

In Michigan, it’s uncertain when the 1.4 million Michiganders who rely on SNAP will receive benefits or how much they will receive.

“MSU Extension has a long history of helping Michiganders access reliable, research-based information,” said Erin Moore, associate director of MSU Extension’s Health and Nutrition Institute. “As families and individuals face delays and reductions in SNAP benefits, we’re working to connect them to local food resources and practical tools that can help stretch limited budgets.”

To connect residents with up-to-date information and local resources, MSU Extension — a SNAP outreach agency — has launched a Community Food Assistance website. The site offers resources and tips to help Michigan families plan, stretch their food budgets and connect with local services.

MSU Extension also has released a series of short, informative videos on TikTok, Facebook and Instagram to answer common questions about food assistance programs and how to support others in need. The videos — with more to come — are designed to reach a broad audience with timely, trustworthy information. You can view the playlist on YouTube.

Additional tips and resources from MSU Extension

• Those in need should start with dialing 2-1-1 for free, confidential referrals to local food programs. You can also search for nearby food banks and distribution sites through Feeding America.
  
• Double Up Food Bucks has expanded access during this time. Earnings will not expire until Dec. 31, 2025, and frozen fruits and vegetables are now eligible under the program. As of Nov. 1, new participants qualified for Bonus Bucks — a $40 voucher that does not require a matching SNAP purchase. It can be used exclusively on fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables at participating sites.
  
• Pantries and nonprofits are facing potential shortages and require community support. To make sure your donation counts, consider giving what you already have, such as healthy, unopened and unexpired items to reduce waste and get food to people who need it faster. 
  
• If you don’t have much on hand, consider a monetary donation. Food pantries can stretch every dollar further by buying in bulk or purchasing exactly what’s needed — like fresh produce, dairy or culturally familiar foods that are hard to donate directly. Your dollars give pantries flexibility and help them fill the real gaps on their shelves. 
  
• Before you give, consider asking your local pantry which items they need most. Sometimes it’s food or money, but often they need personal care products like toothpaste, diapers, wipes, laundry or body soap. 
  
• Donating items like infant formula or baby food can make a real difference for families with infants. When donating, check expiration dates. Never donate formula past its “use-by” date. Inspect packaging to ensure cans have no bulges, rust or water damage. Make sure donated baby food and formula was stored in a cool, dry place. Do not donate homemade baby food or formula. 
  
• If you are a hunter looking to donate a harvested deer to those in need, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ Hunters Feeding Michigan program can help you find a participating processor in your area.