COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture has requested that the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) temporarily suspend November food benefits for approximately 1.4 million Michiganders due to the ongoing federal shutdown.
State officials announced Thursday that they were instructed by the USDA to hold off on issuing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits until further notice.
The delay affects nearly 13% of Michigan households, with the average SNAP household receiving around $335 per month.
The impact of this delay will be felt statewide, affecting a significant portion of the population, including 492,225 children and over half of all SNAP households that include a person with a disability.
SNAP participants use electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards to purchase food at more than 9,700 Michigan retailers. The duration of the delay remains unknown.
MDHHS is encouraging SNAP recipients to contact their local Branch County office with questions at 517- 279-4200 or visit the MI Bridges website for ongoing updates.
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