Next month, around 11,000 households in Washtenaw County will struggle with food insecurity. The USDA is suspending the November payments for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) due to ongoing government funding issues.
This decision affects about 5,000 households with children. SNAP provides essential nutrition assistance, and many rely on it to feed their families. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHSS) manages the program at the state level, distributing funds through Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards.
On October 23, 2025, MDHSS announced it received instructions from the USDA to halt SNAP issued funds until further notice. Typically, these benefits are added to cards at the beginning of each month; however, starting November 1, no new funds will be available.
This change means that 492,225 Michigan children and 38,513 veterans will face food shortages this month. Interestingly, 36% of SNAP-eligible households include older adults, 43% have children, and 51% contain someone with a disability. Notably, 78% of eligible families have at least one working member.
For many, SNAP is a critical lifeline for daily meals, and the impact will be felt immediately. Local food pantries and nonprofits are bracing for a surge in demand. Organizations like Food Gatherers and Faith in Action are raising awareness online and urging community support through donations and food drives.
Recent studies reveal that food insecurity has become increasingly common. According to a report from the USDA, about 10.5% of U.S. households were food insecure in 2022. This is a concerning trend. In Michigan alone, over 9,700 retailers accept SNAP, amounting to around $3.6 billion in benefits, which supports not just families but local economies as well.
If you know someone facing food insecurity, resources are available. For assistance, visit the Food Bank Council of Michigan’s website to find local food banks.
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