With Thanksgiving just around the corner, Michigan Senate Democrats extend warm wishes for a happy, safe and healthy Thanksgiving to the people of Michigan. Recognizing the significance of food security during the holiday season, Senate Democrats have ensured that food security remains a top priority to create a more supportive environment for all Michiganders, from kids to seniors.
Earlier this year, the Michigan Senate voted to repeal a decade-old Republican-authored policy that imposed an asset test for federal food assistance eligibility. Under the old law, households with assets exceeding $5,000 — increased to $15,000 under Gov. Gretchen Whitmer — including savings and vehicles, were deemed ineligible for food assistance. Spearheaded by Sen. Jeff Irwin, the new legislation, the asset test requirement has been removed altogether.
“A safety net only works if you can use it before you hit the ground,” Sen. Irwin said. “Food assistance is meant to help families get over a rough spot. But refusing to help people until they have fallen even deeper into poverty makes it harder for them to get back on their feet.”
Within the historic fiscal year 2024 state budget, numerous strategic investments have been made to fortify food security across Michigan. In April, Sen. John Cherry (D-Flint) and the Senate Appropriations Committee passed key budget bills for the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
The proposed MDARD budget includes significant strides in promoting food security, such as doubling ongoing funding for Michigan’s Double Up Food Bucks program and allocating an additional $2 million for the fiscal year. This successful initiative matches Michigan-grown produce purchases for residents using food assistance, allowing them to stretch their budgets and obtain twice the fresh produce for their families. Additionally, the budget proposes a new program to support the state’s minority-owned food and agriculture businesses.
Sens. Darrin Camilleri & Kristen McDonald Rivet participate in turkey giveaways in Romulus and Saginaw this week.
The FY 2024 state budget also allocates $160 million to universal school meals, securing a year of free school breakfasts and lunches for Michigan’s students. However, Senate Bill 500, sponsored by Sen. Dayna Polehanki (D-Livonia), seeks to make the provision permanent, ensuring free school meals for students.
“As a former educator and an ongoing advocate for our kids, teachers and schools, I am so proud to have helped deliver this monumental school budget that invests in the areas of greatest need for our students and our school system,” said Sen. Dayna Polehanki (D-Livonia). “We are ensuring that all kids have the food they need to thrive and the supports they need to succeed, and that their schools have the funding necessary to address all students’ needs.”
Significant investments have also been made in food banks and community centers across Michigan to increase food accessibility across the state:
- $1 million in funding to provide home-delivered Meals on Wheels programs through the Area Agencies on Aging.
- The Michigan Agriculture Surplus System received $12 million to purchase additional surplus agricultural products for foodbanks throughout the state;
- Kids’ Food Basket, a grassroots, community solution to childhood hunger, received a one-time $1 million allocation — along with $525,000 in ongoing funding, to increase access to healthy food for Michigan children and families;
- A one-time $5 million allocation to support delivery costs and fees of food purchased remotely using SNAP benefits;
- $11.5 million in funding for student wraparound services and basic needs support for public colleges, universities and tribal colleges. Services include public assistance benefit screening, emergency housing, child care, food pantries, emergency grants for students, mental health support and re-enrollment assistance;
- $10 million on a one-time basis to increase access to healthy food programming; and
- $500,000 to Michigan Fitness Foundation Farm-to-Family.
Though not exhaustively listed, these initiatives underscore Michigan Senate Democrats’ unwavering commitment to creating a more resilient and inclusive food landscape and working to ensure no Michigander goes hungry. During this holiday season and beyond, Michigan Senate Democrats encourage residents to volunteer at local food banks, support community organizations and share in the spirit of gratitude.
Read more from the Michigan Senate Democrats at SenateDems.com/press.