Michigan's State Budget Director Jen Flood joined State Sen. Sean McCann for a tour of Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes, witnessing firsthand the strain federal funding cuts place on local food banks serving Kalamazoo County residents.

The federal government has paused SNAP benefits starting November 1, creating uncertainty for more than 1.4 million Michigan residents who rely on the nation's largest food assistance program. The recent pause has left families unsure where their next meal will come from and put tremendous strain on food banks and local pantries across the region.

Flood and McCann walked through Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes warehouse, hearing from volunteers about what they're facing on the ground. Staff told the officials that people they serve are having a harder time accessing SNAP, pointing to new regulations from the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

"We are seeing the federal government pass the tab to states on some really important programs like SNAP and Medicaid," Flood said. "We wanted to come here to see sort of the work on the front."

The governor's final budget proposal includes investments to help people maintain access to food and healthcare. The proposal totals $88.1 billion, with more than $186 million in additional funds to administer SNAP and upwards of $780 million in Medicare funding.

"The action that Congress took last year blew an enormous hole in our budget and it also puts access to food and health care at risk for millions of Michiganders," Flood said.

On top of addressing federal pressures, the state faces a more than $1 billion decline in revenue this year. The State Budget Office built its budget based on those projections, with an update expected in May.

State Sen. McCann represents Kalamazoo in the state legislature and joined Flood on the tour to advocate for continued funding of food assistance programs in his district.

"We know that families are facing rising costs, and so in the Governor's final budget, we have investments to help make sure that people maintain access to healthcare, maintain access food," Flood said.

The budget process will heat up in May and early June when the State Senate and House propose their budgets. House Republicans, who control the state House, are wary of new taxes sought by Whitmer and have called a $400 million draw from reserves a non-starter.

"When the legislature does their job and gets their budgets passed on time, everything works better," Flood said. "We'll be here at the table to bring both sides together and find a budget that serves Michigan families."

In response to the government shutdown and chaotic pausing of SNAP benefits, Michigan Governor Whitmer announced the State of Michigan will provide $4.5 million to the Food Bank Council of Michigan to help feed families statewide.

13 On Your Side partnered with Independent Bank to help feed hungry neighbors, urging the community to support organizations stepping forward to fill the gap for families.

Please consider donating to these organizations:

  • Feeding America West Michigan
  • Heart of West Michigan United Way
  • Kids Food Basket
  • Salvation Army South
  • Kent County

More than 39 percent of SNAP recipients receive benefits, according to the State Budget Office. Food pantries and food banks in Michigan will see even higher demand for nutrition assistance than what they already struggle to serve.

"Reduced funding and increased restrictions for SNAP will put unnecessary strain on families, individuals, and young children," said Kalamazoo Loaves and Fishes. "Many are already facing higher costs at the grocery store, along with the growing price of housing, childcare, and healthcare."