SNAP/FAP
- Allowable deductions to determine SNAP/FAP benefits do not accurately reflect families’ expenses. Modifications to what expenses families are able to deduct from their gross income and increasing the maximum deduction allowed would provide families with greater benefits, which are desperately needed.
- Current benefit levels, particularly for families with household incomes just below the eligibility line, are not sufficient. State programs that expand or increase federal SNAP funding could help bridge the gap.
- Michigan should make use of all possible SNAP state options and waivers to bring the maximum federal SNAP dollars to the state and support more families.
- A “Bridge off SNAP” program that continued families’ benefits for a limited period after parents begin working or receive a raise would give families time to get on their feet and pay off debts, increasing the likelihood that they remain employed.
Charitable Food System
- Organizing foods offered to be able to make a complete meal and assisting families via providing recipes, no-cook options, etc. can greatly improve parents’ experiences.
- Many programs are open for limited hours during the traditional work week. Prioritizing flexibility of operating days and hours will increase access and reduce stress on families.
- Many families need to be able to access charitable food more than once a week or more than once a month. Whenever possible, programs should evaluate their policies and consider whether restrictions such as these are necessary for effective operation.
- Allowing families a choice of food types and portion sizes can increase program satisfaction and decrease food waste.
WIC
- Many parents are aware of WIC and most eligible families participated in WIC when their children were infants. Increasing programmatic flexibilities including expanding food package options and allowing benefits to roll over between months would make the program more useful to parents of older children.
- Parents want more variety in which formulas are eligible for purchase with WIC. This is particularly important for families shopping at small, local stores that are often out of stock of specific formula brands and sizes.
- Attending appointments in person is difficult for some families, especially as they have more children and they get older. Parents appreciated COVID-era flexibilities including the ability to complete education online, and would like these options to become permanent.
School Food Distribution
- Many parents were unsure of their eligibility to receive food from school and did not feel they understood the process well enough to feel comfortable participating in the distribution program. Families would benefit from widespread, simple communications about food programs through multiple channels.
- Busy families benefit from flexibility in food distribution including variety in the days and hours that programs operate.
P-EBT
- With Summer EBT becoming established in Michigan, it is essential that all families are made aware of program eligibility and the timing and amount of benefits. Lack of clarity and inconsistent awards made food budgeting difficult for families.
- Wherever possible, minimize the logistic barriers to activating and using the Summer EBT card. Parents struggled with needing to get online and using a password to activate the card.