{"id":7488,"date":"2025-10-31T15:45:31","date_gmt":"2025-10-31T19:45:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/mccann\/?p=7488"},"modified":"2025-10-31T15:45:33","modified_gmt":"2025-10-31T19:45:33","slug":"federal-government-shutdown-resources","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/mccann\/2025\/10\/31\/federal-government-shutdown-resources\/","title":{"rendered":"Federal Government Shutdown Resources"},"content":{"rendered":"\n[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ theme_builder_area=”post_content” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/mccann\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2023\/04\/Screen-Shot-2023-04-06-at-2.10.03-PM.png” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” alt=”Senator McCann Email Banner” title_text=”Screen Shot 2023-04-06 at 2.10.03 PM” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″ force_fullwidth=”on”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]

Dear Neighbor,\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

With the federal government locked in the second-longest shutdown in American history, the effects on you and your loved ones may continue to grow. I understand the uncertainty and anxiety this brings for so many, but please know that you are not alone. My team and I are here to offer support, provide helpful information, and share resources to help you navigate this\u00a0difficult situation.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In this newsletter, you will find updates on how the shutdown is affecting various programs, including changes to SNAP benefits, along with resources that can help support you and your family during the shutdown.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

My Senate colleagues and I are doing everything we can to help Michigan residents weather this storm,\u00a0<\/span>including passing bipartisan legislation this past week<\/span><\/a>\u00a0to\u00a0immediately\u00a0provide $71 million to continue SNAP benefits beyond Nov. 1 and support\u00a0local\u00a0food banks, pantries, soup kitchens, and other organizations. This legislation is now in the House for consideration.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As a reminder, our state government offices\u00a0\u2014\u00a0including mine\u00a0\u2014 are open and continue to\u00a0operate\u00a0at full capacity, and we are always available to help. You can contact us by emailing\u00a0<\/span>SenSMcCann@senate.michigan.gov<\/span><\/a>\u00a0or calling (517) 373-5100.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Sincerely,<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/mccann\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2024\/02\/mccannsignature.png” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” alt=”Senator McCann Signature” title_text=”mccannsignature” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]

Sean McCann<\/span><\/b>
<\/span>State Senator<\/span>\u00a0
<\/span>District\u00a019<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/mccann\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2024\/10\/EnewsHeaders_News-Resources.png” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” alt=”News & Resources” title_text=”EnewsHeaders_News & Resources” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]

November SNAP Benefits Paused, Food Insecurity Resources\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Michigan Dept. of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently received communication from the federal government\u2019s Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) indicating that due to the ongoing federal government funding lapse, there may be limited availability of funds to pay full November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for approximately\u00a042 million individuals\u00a0across the nation. To read the official statement from MDHHS,\u00a0<\/span>click here.<\/span><\/a>\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

FNS has unfortunately directed MDHHS to hold November SNAP issuance and ongoing benefits until further notice.<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

MDHHS is communicating directly with neighbors enrolled in SNAP. If you currently receive SNAP benefits, or have a pending application for benefits, you will receive updates directly from MDHHS about the status of your benefits, including potential delays and when payments restart.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Any already-issued benefits will remain available for use. Funds currently available on your Bridge Card can continue to be used without interruption.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you need food\u00a0assistance, you may find the following resources helpful:\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Kalamazoo Loaves and Fishes (Food Bank)<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

901 Portage St., Kalamazoo, MI 49001<\/span>\u00a0
<\/span>(269) 488-2617<\/span>\u00a0
<\/span>Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Kalamazoo County MDHHS Office\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

427 E. Alcott St., Kalamazoo, MI 49001<\/span>\u00a0
<\/span>(269) 337-4900<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Kalamazoo Parks Food Box Pickup<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Kzoo\u00a0Parks, the South Michigan Food Bank, and Catholic Charities: Diocese of Kalamazoo will distribute free boxes of food at Mayors\u2019 Riverfront Park on the third Friday of each month.<\/span>\u00a0
<\/span>Next date:\u00a0Friday, Nov.\u00a021, from 2:00 \u2013 4:00 p.m.<\/span>\u00a0
<\/span>Mayors’ Riverfront Park, 251 Mills Street, Kalamazoo, 49048<\/span>\u00a0
<\/span>For more information:\u00a0(269) 337-8000\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Michigan 211<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

From food and utility\u00a0assistance\u00a0to mental health support and emergency shelter \u2014\u00a0<\/span>Michigan 211<\/span><\/b>\u00a0can also connect you and your loved ones to critical resources. To\u00a0get in touch with\u00a0a trained specialist for free, confidential support, you can dial 2-1-1, visit\u00a0<\/span>mi211.org<\/span><\/a>\u00a0or text your zip code to 898-211.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Double Up\u00a0Food Bucks Expands & Offers\u00a0\u201cBonus Bucks\u201d<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/mccann\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2025\/10\/Fair-Food-Network_Double-UP-Food-Bucks-Expands-1200×630-LinkedIn-2.jpg” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” alt=”Double Up Food Bucks Expands & Offers \u201cBonus Bucks\u201d Sen McCann” title_text=”Fair Food Network_Double UP Food Bucks Expands – 1200×630 – LinkedIn 2″ hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″ theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]

In response to the temporary pause of SNAP benefits, the Fair Food Network\u00a0(FFN)\u00a0has\u00a0announced its expansion of the\u00a0<\/span>Double Up Food Bucks Program<\/span><\/a>\u00a0to help Michigan\u00a0residents\u00a0navigate this tough time.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Beginning earlier this week and effective through Dec. 31, 2025, Michigan\u2019s Double Up program has increased its flexibility with the following updates.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n