FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 04, 2025
Feeding America West Michigan Position Statement on proposed cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP):
The demand for charitable food will significantly impact Michigan food banks and community pantries in 2026 if proposed cuts to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) become law. The cuts are part of the 2025 budget reconciliation bill passed by the U.S. House on May 22. The bill now moves to the Senate for action this month.
The number of households struggling to afford the basics has increased dramatically since the pandemic. At Feeding America West Michigan, we have experienced a 70-percent increase in demand for food over the past four years. The demand is driven by the continued high costs of basic needs, as well as people who do not qualify for assistance but do not make enough to cover their expenses.
Because Feeding America West Michigan is already challenged to meet the current level of need, we are unprepared for the influx of people who will turn to us in 2026 if the cuts to the SNAP program take effect. The proposed qualification requirements will cause additional families with school-aged children and older adults to lose benefits.
In addition to the immediate impact on families and individuals, we are also deeply concerned that the bill shifts some SNAP costs to states. According to estimates, the State of Michigan could face more than $600 million in new costs to continue current levels of federal food assistance. If the state does not have the funds for this level of unplanned expense, it could impact funding for other state food programs and increase the number of people seeking help with food.
We are encouraging our elected officials to oppose cuts to food commodities and nutrition programs like SNAP.