Rx Kids
Supporting New Moms & Babies
Nearly two years ago, I proudly secured the initial state funding to launch the Rx Kids program in Flint — the nation’s first-ever prenatal and infant cash prescription program. Since it began in January 2024, this game-changing program has delivered over $12 million to more than 2,000 Flint families. And the best part? These dollars are no-strings-attached, meaning parents can spend it on whatever their family needs most, from baby supplies and rent to groceries and everything in between.
Because of its proven success, Senate Democrats continued to deliver additional investments in previous state budgets to expand the program across Michigan. Now, families in Kalamazoo, the eastern U.P., Clare County, Ypsilanti, Wayne County, and other communities can experience the benefits of Rx Kids. And we’re not done yet. Alongside my Senate colleagues, I remain committed to continuing to grow this program so that all new moms and babies, no matter what zip code they call home, can access this crucial support at the time they need it most.
Free School Meals
No child should have to learn on an empty stomach. That’s why my colleagues and I fought hard to ensure the widely popular free school meals program could continue — and we were successful. The historic 2026 state education budget we passed last year secured over $248 million so that Michigan’s 1.4 million public school students can continue accessing free breakfast and lunch, helping them stay focused in the classroom, while saving families across the state nearly $1,000 per year.
Learn more about other wins Senate Democrats delivered for Michigan’s kids, classrooms, and communities at SenateDems.com/Budget.
Double Up Food Bucks
Bringing Fresh Produce to More Tables
Available at over 230 locations around the state, the Fair Food Network’s (FFN) Double Up Food Bucks Program is a powerful tool: when you use your EBT card, every dollar spent on SNAP-eligible groceries earns you another dollar to buy fresh fruits and vegetables.
As chair of the subcommittee overseeing the budget for the Michigan Dept. of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), I was proud to secure $14 million over the past three state budget cycles for this innovative program. When the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) was disrupted late last year due to Washington Republicans’ political games, FFN was able to use these dollars to expand Double Up so that more Michigan families could get the support they needed at a challenging time.
To find a participating location near you, visit DoubleUpFoodBucks.org/locations. Find more food resources available in our community at SenatorCherry.com/Food-resources.
Community Health Care Forums
Accessing health care shouldn’t be difficult. Starting this January, our Community Health Care Forum series is designed to bring residents, local experts, and community agencies together to better understand the challenges people face and the resources available to help.
Join me, Greater Flint Health Coalition President/CEO Jim Ananich, and Genesee Health Plan President/CEO Jim Milanowski for an in-depth conversation about navigating coverage, coordinating care, and breaking down barriers within our local healthcare system. You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with partner organizations offering on-site support and information.
Learn more and find the next event at: Senator.Cherry.com/Events