Food pantries, health experts growing concerned over proposed SNAP benefit cuts

LANSING, Mich. (WILX) – A fight to protect food assistance programs is unfolding at the Michigan State Capitol.

Lawmakers are warning that proposed federal Medicaid cuts could have a devastating impact on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also called SNAP.

The state of Michigan tracks food insecurity rates, with its most recent report saying more than 14% of people are food insecure, but the number has grown over time.

Right now, roughly 1.5 million Michigan residents use SNAP.

“It’s parents, people with young children, it’s older seniors, older adults,” said Public Health Nutritionist Sarah Eichberger, a SNAP educator with Michigan State University Extension.

Eichberger said the social safety net is there to ensure that people across the state are healthy, ultimately reducing costs for state and federal governments in the long run.

“So not only food support, but it’s also supporting health outcomes by preventing hunger,” she said.

Financial health is the priority for the federal government, where lawmakers are pushing for funding cuts to SNAP and Medicaid in their budget.

“Publicly opinion polling shows this is a commonsense reform and something we should have done a long time ago,” said Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mike Johnson.

Amanda Thompson is worried about what it might mean for Helping Hands Food Pantry in Charlotte, where the shelves are emptied by families in need almost weekly.

Thompson said dwindling federal assistance is “something to be prepared for,” but despite the pressure, the pantry will be there for the community.

“We stand ready to help you,” she said. “No matter where you are in the state, come to Helping Hands Food Pantry. Let us walk beside you and get you some food and necessities to help you thrive.”

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, along with several Michigan doctors voiced their own concerns about the cuts to state Senators on Wednesday.

They’re hoping the state lawmakers will step in and try to save the $300 billion in nationwide SNAP funding.

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