SNAP Benefits Threatened Nationwide; Michigan Acts

The federal government shutdown imperils SNAP funding starting Nov. 1, threatening benefit suspensions for millions of Americans nationwide and for roughly 1.4 million Michigan residents. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel joined a 25-state lawsuit urging the USDA to tap roughly $5.2 billion in contingency SNAP funds that Congress appropriated. State and local officials in Michigan have taken emergency steps — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer committed $4.5 million to the Food Bank Council of Michigan and the Michigan Senate approved emergency funding measures reported between $50 million and $71 million — while Michigan House Democrats, led by Rep. Tonya Myers Phillips, proposed a five-bill package including a $600–900 million emergency SNAP fund; legal questions remain about disbursing SNAP without federal authorization. Across the country, food banks and nonprofits report surging demand and strained supplies, and some states including Oklahoma and Alabama are pursuing emergency action; Oklahoma moved to vote on a plan to send weekly funds to food banks. A coalition of 25 states and several federal judges have pressed the USDA to use contingency funds, but uncertainty remains over timing and implementation, and advocates warn shortfalls could overwhelm local services.