Michigan expands food assistance program to 350,000 additional families
LANSING, Mich. - The state of Michigan has expanded its food assistance program in response to COVID-19.
Starting May 2021, an additional 350,000 families would get extra food assistance. and everyone currently eligible would get more food.
“Michigan has made great progress towards getting ‘Vacc to Normal’ thanks to the safe, effective vaccines and efforts by millions of Michiganders who have gone above and beyond through the pandemic,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “However, many families are still facing food insecurity due to the health and economic challenges of the last 14 months. No one should go hungry in Michigan, especially in the midst of a pandemic, and I am proud of this step we are taking to continue helping families put food on the table.”
Michigan previously approved the additional food assistance beginning in March 2020 – and now that is being extended for May 2021 with approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service. Households eligible for Food Assistance Program benefits will receive additional benefits in May to bring all current SNAP cases to the maximum monthly allowance for that group size. This change only applies to customers not currently receiving the maximum benefit amount.
More than 1.3 million people in Michigan receive federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP, benefits through the state Food Assistance Program.
“We have worked with our federal partners throughout the pandemic to provide more access to food assistance because no one should have to worry about feeding their families – especially during these challenging times," Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Director Elizabeth Hertel said. “I appreciate the USDA for working with us to help families who are need.”'
Here are the maximum benefits for SNAP customers based on household size:
- One Person: $234
- Two Persons: $430
- Three Persons: $616
- Four Persons: $782
- Five Persons: $929
- Six Persons: $1,114
- Seven Persons: $1,232
- Eight Persons: $1,408
Eligible families do not need to reapply.
