On Thursday, October 23rd, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) issued the following press release:
LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) received communication from the federal government’s Department 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. FNS has unfortunately directed MDHHS to hold November SNAP issuance and ongoing benefits until further notice.
The federal government’s delay of SNAP benefits will place Michiganders at risk of food insecurity and poverty. SNAP, a critical program for families and individuals across Michigan to access food, is the nation’s largest food assistance program and one of the most effective tools to reduce food insecurity. Nearly 13% of Michigan households, approximately 1.4 million people, receive SNAP benefits. About 43% are families with children and 36% are families with members who are older adults or disabled.
“The impact of households losing SNAP benefits will be felt around the state,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “SNAP is more than a food assistance program; it’s a lifeline for many Michigan families. It helps families put nutritious food on the table, supports local farmers and grocers, and strengthens our communities and economy. We are strongly disappointed by the USDA’s decision to delay this assistance, and in Michigan we will do what we can to help blunt this impact.”
SNAP participants should reach out to their local MDHHS office with any questions regarding their SNAP benefits or check MI Bridges for updates.
The Michigan Farmers Market Association (MIFMA) is actively monitoring the situation. We’ve created a FAQ document for market managers and food assistance program retailers that we will continuously update as new information becomes available:
2025 Federal Government Shutdown Market Manager FAQ
Last Updated: 11/7/25, 11:00 AM
Latest updates:
On Thursday, November 6, U.S. District Judge John McConnell of Rhode Island ordered the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) to issue full November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits by Friday, Nov. 7 for roughly 42 million low-income Americans.
As a result, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has directed its SNAP EBT vendor to begin issuing full SNAP benefits to Michigan SNAP recipients as soon as funding from FNS is received. As of 11:00 AM on Friday, November 7, payments have begun to be distributed to participants.
You can review the full press release from the State of Michigan here.
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Additional Incentive Program Updates
- Double Up Bonus Bucks: Double Up Bonus Bucks, 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 beginning Nov. 1 and will be distributed directly onto Double Up cards and app, or loyalty cards at participating sites, where applicable, or as printed vouchers for shoppers using tokens or coupons at participating locations.
- Double Up Food Bucks – This program is operated by Fair Food Network and is not directly administered by the state or federal government. Effective immediately through December 31, 2025, Double Up Food Bucks will make the following changes: The daily earning limit is lifted, meaning shoppers can now earn unlimited Double Up dollars per day (previously capped at $20). The 90-day expiration window is removed—your earned Double Up dollars will now be valid through the end of the year. In addition, both fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables—with no added salt, sugar, or oil—are eligible at all participating locations. For more information, visit www.doubleupfoodbucks.org.