State Rep. David Martin today highlighted the state’s proactive response to protect Michigan families impacted by the ongoing federal government shutdown and the resulting suspension of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

Martin, R-Davison, said $4.5 million will be transferred to the Food Bank Council of Michigan from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services budget. The funds will help food banks in all 83 Michigan counties continue providing assistance to individuals and families who rely on SNAP benefits.

“When Washington can’t get its act together, it’s working families and seniors who pay the price,” Martin said. “People in our community depend on these benefits to feed their kids and keep food on the table. I’m thankful that Michigan has a plan to partner with local food banks and make sure nobody goes hungry while Congress sorts out its mess.”

Martin emphasized that while federal leaders remain at an impasse, Michigan’s state government has shown how bipartisan cooperation can protect residents from unnecessary hardship.

“In Michigan, we avoided a shutdown because we stayed focused on solutions,” Martin said. “Republicans and Democrats worked together to pass a short-term plan that kept essential services running and gave families peace of mind. Then we kept working to get a long-term funding plan in place. That’s the kind of common-sense leadership folks in Washington should try.”

The state’s bipartisan budget also includes several initiatives that will help support Michiganders, including money for the Double Up Food Bucks program, which matches SNAP purchases of fruits and vegetables to help families stretch their grocery budgets. The state budget also funds the statewide 2-1-1 program, which connects people to local resources such as food banks, housing assistance, and other critical services.

Earlier this week, the Fair Food Network announced additional flexibility in the Double Up Food Bucks program for families affected by the SNAP interruption, including removing expiration dates on unused benefits, ending daily spending limits, and expanding eligible purchases to include frozen fruits and vegetables.

People affected by the federal SNAP delay can call 2-1-1 to be connected with local food and community resources or visit the Food Bank Council of Michigan website to locate nearby food banks and learn about additional hunger relief efforts.