Dear Neighbor,
With the federal government locked in the second-longest shutdown in American history, the effects on you and your loved ones may continue to grow. I understand the uncertainty and anxiety this brings for so many, but please know that you are not alone. My team and I are here to offer support, provide helpful information, and share resources to help you navigate this difficult situation.
In this newsletter, you will find updates on how the shutdown is affecting various programs, including changes to SNAP benefits, along with resources that can help support you and your family during the shutdown.
My Senate colleagues and I are doing everything we can to help Michigan residents weather this storm, including passing bipartisan legislation this past week to immediately provide $71 million to continue SNAP benefits beyond Nov. 1 and support local food banks, pantries, soup kitchens, and other organizations. This legislation is now in the House for consideration.
As a reminder, our state government offices — including mine — are open and continue to operate at full capacity, and we are always available to help. You can contact us by emailing SenSMcCann@senate.michigan.gov or calling (517) 373-5100.
Sincerely,
Sean McCann
State Senator
District 19
November SNAP Benefits Paused, Food Insecurity Resources
The Michigan Dept. of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently received communication from the federal government’s Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) indicating that due to the ongoing federal government funding lapse, there may be limited availability of funds to pay full November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for approximately 42 million individuals across the nation. To read the official statement from MDHHS, click here.
FNS has unfortunately directed MDHHS to hold November SNAP issuance and ongoing benefits until further notice.
MDHHS is communicating directly with neighbors enrolled in SNAP. If you currently receive SNAP benefits, or have a pending application for benefits, you will receive updates directly from MDHHS about the status of your benefits, including potential delays and when payments restart.
Any already-issued benefits will remain available for use. Funds currently available on your Bridge Card can continue to be used without interruption.
If you need food assistance, you may find the following resources helpful:
Kalamazoo Loaves and Fishes (Food Bank)
901 Portage St., Kalamazoo, MI 49001
(269) 488-2617
Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes
Kalamazoo County MDHHS Office
427 E. Alcott St., Kalamazoo, MI 49001
(269) 337-4900
Kalamazoo Parks Food Box Pickup
Kzoo Parks, the South Michigan Food Bank, and Catholic Charities: Diocese of Kalamazoo will distribute free boxes of food at Mayors’ Riverfront Park on the third Friday of each month.
Next date: Friday, Nov. 21, from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Mayors’ Riverfront Park, 251 Mills Street, Kalamazoo, 49048
For more information: (269) 337-8000
Michigan 211
From food and utility assistance to mental health support and emergency shelter — Michigan 211 can also connect you and your loved ones to critical resources. To get in touch with a trained specialist for free, confidential support, you can dial 2-1-1, visit mi211.org or text your zip code to 898-211.
Double Up Food Bucks Expands & Offers “Bonus Bucks”
In response to the temporary pause of SNAP benefits, the Fair Food Network (FFN) has announced its expansion of the Double Up Food Bucks Program to help Michigan residents navigate this tough time.
Beginning earlier this week and effective through Dec. 31, 2025, Michigan’s Double Up program has increased its flexibility with the following updates.
- Double Up earnings no longer expire. FFN lifted the 90-day limit so shoppers can use their earned benefits whenever they need them.
- No daily earning cap. FFN removed the usual $20 per day limit, enabling families to earn as much as they can while shopping for fresh produce.
- Frozen fruits and vegetables are now eligible. Shoppers can now use Double Up on frozen options with no added salt, sugar, or oil — available at all 237 locations across the state.
And, as a new, exciting benefit, Double Up “Bonus Bucks” are available beginning today — a limited-time voucher of $40 that will not require a matching SNAP purchase to receive. It can be used exclusively on fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables and will be distributed directly onto Double Up cards and app, or loyalty cards at participating sites, where applicable. Printed vouchers for shoppers using tokens or coupons at participating locations will also be available.
If you are a SNAP beneficiary in Michigan, please know:
- You can still use any SNAP dollars already on your EBT card — those funds are not affected.
- All previously earned Double Up Food Bucks remain available.
- Double Up is available year-round at grocery stores, even as farmers’ market season winds down.
Learn more at DoubleUpFoodBucks.org/How-To-Snap-Disruption. If you need help or have questions, you can call the Double Up hotline at 866-586-2796, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday – Friday. To find a participating location near you, visit DoubleUpFoodBucks.org/locations.
Support for Federal Workers in Michigan Impacted by Federal Layoffs and Funding Cuts
To support federal workers who may have recently lost their jobs, the Michigan Dept. of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) has compiled several resources to offer support. A comprehensive webpage, Michigan.gov/FederalWorkerHelp, provides impacted federal workers with easy access to unemployment, job search, and community resources.
Additional Resources
Workers who recently lost their jobs through no fault of their own may be eligible to apply for temporary financial assistance through the Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA).
UIA has resources in place to help any laid off federal worker, including:
- UIA Claimant Roadmap: An easy-to-follow, six-step guide to applying for and understanding unemployment benefits.
- Online Coaching Sessions: Web-based guidance from UIA staff who walk users through the steps needed to complete an application and qualify for payments.
- UIA Community Connect: This program partners with local groups to provide guidance for workers from underserved groups who have faced barriers when filing for jobless benefits.
- Schedule an Appointment: Schedule either an in-person, phone or virtual appointment to speak with a UIA Customer Service Agent.
- Looking for Work: Tips to understanding your responsibilities when it comes to conducting and documenting your successful work searches.
- Assistance with Setting Up an Account: Workers must create a MiLogin account before setting up a MiWAM account.
For additional assistance, workers can find FAQs, videos and other resources at Michigan.gov/UIA. To reach an agent or unlock a MiWAM or MiLogin account, they can call Customer Service at 866-500-0017.
In partnership with LEO’s Office of Employment and Training, Michigan Works! agencies are also available to assist affected federal workers. Services offered through Michigan Works! include:
- Basic Career Services, which are available to all workers seeking services.
- Individualized Career Services, which are designed for workers who are unable to obtain employment through basic career services alone.
- Training Services, which are necessary to equip workers with the skills needed to obtain and retain employment.
To connect with your local Michigan Works! service center, call 800-285-WORKS (9675) or visit Michigan.gov/MichiganWorks.
Additional helpful sites for workers: