[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/singh\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/23\/2024\/11\/1727805368244-Singh_EmailBanner-2.png” alt=”Email banner” title_text=”1727805368244-Singh_EmailBanner-2″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Dear Neighbor,\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n As you may have heard, the U.S.\u00a0Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) recently alerted the Michigan Dept. of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) that due to the ongoing government shutdown and\u00a0subsequent\u00a0funding lapse, there is a limited availability of funds to pay full November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for approximately\u00a042 million individuals\u00a0across the nation. As a result,\u00a0the\u00a0USDA has directed the state to pause\u00a0November\u00a0SNAP issuance and ongoing benefits until further notice.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n MDHHS\u00a0has been\u00a0communicating directly with\u00a0Michiganders enrolled in SNAP. If you currently receive SNAP benefits\u00a0or 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>Any already-issued benefits will remain available for use, and funds currently available on your Bridge Card can continue to be used without interruption.<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Please know that my Senate colleagues and I are doing everything we can to help Michiganders 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 food banks, pantries, soup kitchens, and other organizations.\u00a0This legislation is now in the House for consideration.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If you\u00a0are in need of\u00a0food\u00a0assistance, please\u00a0find information below\u00a0about programs and resources that organizations in the community offer.\u00a0<\/span><\/b>Or, if you are looking for\u00a0ways to\u00a0support our neighbors\u00a0in the weeks ahead,\u00a0you can\u00a0find some places below\u00a0that\u00a0you can\u00a0lend a helping hand.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n As always, please feel free to reach out to share your thoughts or seek\u00a0assistance\u00a0with any challenges you may be facing with state departments.\u00a0You can reach me and my team by emailing\u00a0<\/span>SenSSingh@senate.michigan.gov<\/span><\/a>\u00a0or calling (517) 373-3447.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u202f\u202f<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Sincerely,<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/singh\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/23\/2023\/01\/SinghSignature.jpg” alt=”Sam Singh Signature” title_text=”SinghSignature” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Sam Singh<\/span><\/b>\u00a0 [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/singh\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/23\/2025\/01\/EnewsHeaders_News-Resources-scaled.jpg” alt=”Helpful News and Resources” title_text=”EnewsHeaders_News & Resources” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Local\u00a0Emergency\u00a0Food\u00a0Resources<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If you or someone you know needs a little extra help putting food on the table, there are places throughout our community that can help! Please\u00a0find below\u00a0<\/span>and on our website<\/span><\/a>\u00a0a list of food banks that are open in or near Senate District 28. We recommend calling ahead of time to check on their hours of operation or any eligibility criteria they may have.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Catholic Charities of Ingham, Eaton, and Clinton Counties\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n (517) 372-4700\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n Corunna United Methodist Church<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 200 W. McArthur St., Corunna, MI 48817<\/span>\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n Greater Lansing Food Bank<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n (517) 853-7800\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n MSU Food Bank & Basic Needs Program \u2013 Spartan Shelf \u2013 Olin Health Center<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 463 E. Circle Dr., Room 151, East Lansing, MI 48824<\/span>\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n Elsie Area Food Pantry<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 219 S. Ovid St., Elsie, MI 48831<\/span>\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n Redeemer Church<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 13980 Schavey Rd., DeWitt, MI 48820<\/span>\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n Saint\u00a0Johns\u00a0Basic Needs Center<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 213 N. Clinton Ave., St. Johns, MI 48879<\/span>\u00a0 \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 Michigan 211 can 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><\/p>\n Double Up\u00a0Food Bucks Expands & Offers\u00a0\u201cBonus Bucks\u201d<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/senatedems.com\/singh\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/23\/2025\/10\/Fair-Food-Network_Double-UP-Food-Bucks-Expands-1200×630-LinkedIn-2.jpg” alt=”Helping Families acess food while there are SNAP disruptions” title_text=”Fair Food Network_Double UP Food Bucks Expands – 1200×630 – LinkedIn 2″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n 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 Michiganders navigate 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 And, as a new, exciting benefit,\u00a0<\/span>Double Up \u201cBonus Bucks\u201d\u00a0are\u00a0available beginning today\u00a0\u2014 a limited-time voucher of\u202f$40 that will\u202fnot\u202frequire a matching SNAP purchase to receive.\u00a0<\/span><\/b>It can be used exclusively on fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables and will be distributed directly onto Double Up cards and\u00a0app, or loyalty cards at participating sites, where applicable. Printed\u00a0vouchers\u202ffor shoppers using tokens or coupons at participating locations will also be available.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If you are a SNAP beneficiary in Michigan, please know:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Learn more at\u00a0<\/span>DoubleUpFoodBucks.org\/How-To-Snap-Disruption<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span>If you need help or have questions, you can call the Double Up hotline at 866-586-2796, 9:00 a.m. \u2013 5:00 p.m., Monday \u2013 Friday. To find a participating location near\u00a0you, visit\u202f<\/span>DoubleUpFoodBucks.org\/locations<\/span><\/a>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Hunters Feeding Michigan<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The\u00a0Hunters Feeding Michigan program, formerly known as Sportsmen Against Hunger,\u00a0coordinates hunters, game processors, and food pantries to provide donations of nutritious venison to families in need.\u00a0It\u2019s\u00a0a creative and valuable program that has been helping Michiganders put food on their table for over 30 years, and one that my Senate Democrats and I proudly supported expanding in last year’s state budget.\u00a0Hunters who wish to donate their deer can bring it to a participating wild game processor.\u00a0Individuals can also support the program through a monetary donation. To learn more or to donate, visit their website\u00a0<\/span>at this link<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n How to Help<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In Michigan, over\u00a01.5 million\u00a0people\u00a0face hunger, including 1 in 5 children. These numbers are already alarming\u00a0and underscore\u00a0the gravity of the situation\u00a0in front of us this month,\u00a0as folks can\u00a0no longer access the\u00a0SNAP\u00a0assistance\u00a0they\u00a0depend\u00a0on\u00a0to make ends meet.\u00a0If\u00a0you’ve\u00a0been considering ways to plug in to your community and help those in need \u2014 now is the time.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Whether through a financial contribution, donation of food, or your time, both\u00a0the\u00a0<\/span>
<\/span>State Senator<\/span>\u00a0
<\/span>District 28<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/span>Food Access Programs<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/span>(989) 743-5050<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/span>glfb@glfoodbank.org<\/span><\/a>\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0
<\/span>Pantry Locater<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/span>Appointment Only<\/span><\/a>\u00a0
<\/span>Only available for students, faculty, & MSU community<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/span>(989) 388-8717<\/span>\u00a0
<\/span>elsieareafoodpantry@gmail.com<\/span><\/a>\u00a0
<\/span>Find hours of operation on their website.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n
<\/span>(517) 669-3430<\/span>\u00a0
<\/span>Clinton County residents only<\/span><\/i>\u00a0
<\/span>Open Tuesdays<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/span>(517) 230-4618<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n
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