Food Assistance Program
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), known in Michigan as the Food Assistance Program (FAP), plays a crucial role in addressing food insecurity for families across the state. Michigan is quite successful at ensuring that those who are eligible participate in SNAP/FAP; 89% of eligible households participate in the program.
Eligibility for SNAP/FAP is determined based on household income relative to size, with benefits adjusted annually for inflation. Recipients receive monthly benefits on an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, known as the Bridge Card in Michigan, which can be used to purchase eligible foods at approved retailers.
SNAP/FAP has many well-established benefits for children, families, and communities. SNAP/FAP significantly reduces food insecurity and lifts families out of poverty, while stimulating local economies by injecting funds into businesses.
SNAP/FAP Participation among Feeding MI Families Participants
Participation in SNAP/FAP among Feeding MI Families participants can be seen in the figure below. The percentage of families participating in SNAP/FAP varies widely by family location, race/ethnicity, US nativity, household disability status, and access to safe, consistent housing. These differences may reflect underlying economic and, therefore, eligibility, differences.
What We Learned
Overall on a scale from 1 to 10, participants rated their satisfaction with SNAP/FAP as 7.5, the lowest mean satisfaction of the food assistance programs asked about. Variations in SNAP satisfaction also varied by parents' race and ethnicity, US nativity, and whether they had a family member with a disability.
Recommendations
Stigma and Discrimination are Central Barriers to Food Security
- Parents report negative interactions with SNAP/FAP case managers that leave them feeling disrespected and less likely to pursue benefits. Case workers would benefit from greater support and more manageable caseloads, allowing them to engage in respectful and comprehensive interactions with clients.
- Parents are frequently the target of stigmatizing interactions when shopping with their Bridge Card. Improvements in staff training, flexibility to pay with EBT through self-checkout, online, and “pay while you shop” options, and a more discreet design for the Bridge Card would all improve families’ shopping experience.
Small Modifications Make Big Differences to Families
- 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.
Families Want Dignified Access to Fresh and Safe Produce, Proteins, and Dairy Products
- Parents are strongly supportive of nutrition incentive programs, such as Double Up Food Bucks, and would like to see these programs be consistently offered at more retailers across the state.
- Parents want to shop for local products, but food prices are much higher at their small, local grocery stores versus large chain stores further away. When parents receive more SNAP/FAP benefits, they are able to shop locally.