Federal judges ruled that the Trump administration must continue funding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, for the month of November.
The decision on Friday (Oct. 31) brought relief to some state leaders in Michigan but left many families across Metro Detroit facing uncertainty.
Barbara Jordan, a Detroit resident, expressed concern while stocking up on groceries at the Capuchin Services Center.
“I’m trying to find resources to get food. I just hope they get it together soon,” Jordan said.
Jordan urged officials to consider the struggles of low-income families.
“They just have to think about the less fortunate, low-income. Just put yourself in somebody else’s shoes,” Jordan said.
Food pantries and meal programs like the Capuchin Soup Kitchen have seen increased demand in recent days.
Brother Gary Wegner of the Capuchin Soup Kitchen said, “We’ve been very busy.”
Wegner noted that, in addition to SNAP recipients, more government workers are also seeking assistance.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and other state leaders from 25 states filed a lawsuit against the federal government and USDA, arguing the suspension of SNAP funds is unlawful.
“Earlier this week, I joined attorneys general and governors from 25 states,” said Nessel.
Nessel warned that the remaining $5.2 billion in the emergency fund is insufficient to cover SNAP responsibilities for the entire month.
“So, if the shutdown is not resolved, we may be back here again in a few weeks,” Nessel said.
State Representative Tonya Myers Phillips said she introduced legislation to create an emergency SNAP fund.
“I was compelled to introduce legislation to create an emergency SNAP fund because hunger can’t wait. Hunger doesn’t wait on politics,” said Myers.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced $4.5 million in emergency funds to support the Food Bank Coalition of Michigan.
Gerry Brisson, president and CEO of Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan, said their work will continue.
“So, we will do what we have to do. But that’s not the best solution, that’s not the cheapest solution. It’s not the most efficient solution, it’s not the solution that’s going to reach everybody that needs to be reached,” said Brisson.
Nessel said it could take anywhere from three days to a couple of weeks for the USDA and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to process the funds and deliver them to Bridge Cards.