Governor Whitmer Leads 21 Governors in Letter Urging White House to Stop Disruption to SNAP, Prevent Hunger for Millions of American Families

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 30, 2025

Contact: [email protected]

Governor Whitmer Leads 21 Governors in Letter Urging White House to Stop Disruption to SNAP, Prevent Hunger for Millions of American Families

LANSING, Mich. - Yesterday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer led a group of governors in a letter calling on the Trump Administration to prevent disruption to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) during the federal government shutdown. SNAP benefits help feed 42 million people, including 16 million children, 8 million seniors, and 4 million people with disabilities. Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) instructed states to stop processing SNAP benefits for November. In Michigan, this could leave 1.4 million people without enough money to pay for groceries and put nutritious meals on the table.

"Halting SNAP benefits will put millions of Americans at risk of hunger and poverty," said Governor Whitmer. "SNAP is more than just a food assistance program, it's a lifeline. It helps families put nutritious food on the table, supports local farmers and grocers, and strengthens our communities and economy. The USDA's decision to delay SNAP assistance is unacceptable, and we urge the White House to provide the necessary funding to feed vulnerable Americans-our neighbors, family, and friends-in need."

"SNAP lifts families out of poverty by allowing them to spend money that would otherwise have been used for food on rent, heat, or health care," said governors in the letter. "We know that infants and children in families who receive SNAP are more likely to see a doctor for periodic check-ups. Additionally, older adults using SNAP are more likely to take the full dosage of the prescriptions they need because they have enough money to afford both food and medicine. No one should have to make those impossible choices."

SNAP's Impact

SNAP provides a lifeline to American families, allowing 42 million Americans to buy groceries and put food on the table for their families. When SNAP funding is in jeopardy, families must decide whether to pay for food, rent, heat, or health care. SNAP also supports nearly 388,000 jobs nationwide and more than $20 billion in direct wages. Overall, SNAP results in over $4.5 billion in state and federal tax revenue.

Governor Whitmer Actions to Protect SNAP, Reduce Hunger

Governor Whitmer directed state departments to:

• Pull together a list of regional and local programs and resources people can use to get food.

• Continue Double Up Food Bucks, a program that gives Michigan families money to purchase groceries, including fresh fruits and vegetables.

• Support Hunters Feeding Families, a program helps Michiganders get venison or other fresh game to feed their families.

• Continue feeding all 1.4 million public school students free breakfast and lunch, saving parents time in the morning and nearly $1,000 per kid, per year.

Governor Whitmer's Commitment to Protecting SNAP

In addition to today's letter, Governor Whitmer has taken previous actions to protect SNAP for families across the country:

• In 2023, Governor Whitmer signed bipartisan legislation to improve access to food assistance and lower costs for Michiganders by eliminating the asset test for SNAP benefits.

• In June of 2025, Governor Whitmer joined 23 governors in a letter, urging Congress to protect SNAP from $300 billion cut included in the Republican budget bill.

• In October of 2025, Michigan joined a multistate lawsuit against the Trump administration regarding the suspension of SNAP benefits.

To view the full letter, click here.

###