Photo courtesy of Carol Plichta The Salvation Army's Bread of Life Center in Hancock. The Army, along with other local food assistance programs, are stepping up in reaction to a potential holding of SNAP benefits.

HANCOCK – A Thursday press release from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) states it received communication from US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) indicating that due to the ongoing federal government funding lapse, there may be a limited availability of funds to pay full November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for approximately 42 million individuals across the nation.

FNS, the release says, has “unfortunately” directed the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) to withhold November SNAP issuance and ongoing benefits until further notice.

According to data from DHHS, in fiscal year (FY) 2024, the average SNAP household in Michigan received $335.03 in SNAP benefits per month, which is about $173 per person per month or $5.68 per person per day. Households with very low incomes receive more SNAP benefits than households closer to the poverty line because they need more help affording nutritious food.

“The impact of households losing SNAP benefits will be felt around the state,” Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director, said in the release. “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.”

Locally, Pete Mackin, director of the Salvation Army’s Bread of Life Center in Hancock, said his organization was alerted to the situation by the local DHHS office. “That’s because we already have a pretty good network of collaboration between our various food pantries,” Mackin said.

He said the Bread of Life Center is part of a large network of local food pantries and food banks. These includes the Copper Country Angel Mission, Lutheran Social Services, the Calumet Free Fridge, the Western Upper Peninsula Food Bank, St. Vincent de Paul, as well as others.

“For the most part,” Mackin said, “we’re all working as one collaborative network.” Mackin said his organization has seen a continuing increase in need over the past year. That is not limited to food. This also includes requests for utility bill and rent assistance and clothing.

“We talk about do we have, at the very basic, foundational level, the ability to feed the most vulnerable people in our community, whether that widows or orphans, those who are struggling,” said Mackin.

“That’s the 101 thing we got,” Mackin said. “If you can’t do that, you need to.”