Six food assistance programs for Michigan residents with limited income
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With rising food prices, food assistance programs are more important than ever. For those currently receiving benefits, or for those exploring benefits they may be eligible for, knowing how each program works can make a real difference.
SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, is a federal food assistance program that provides monthly benefits for groceries. In Michigan, these come through the Bridge Card, which works like a debit card. Benefits can be used on fresh, frozen or canned foods, as well as seeds and plants that grow food. They can’t be used on alcohol, tobacco, pet food or hot prepared meals. SNAP benefits can be used at grocery stores, farmers markets and some corner stores throughout the year. Learn more about the program through this link.
Double Up Food Bucks stretches the value of SNAP by matching what’s spent on fruits and vegetables, up to $20 per day. Benefits can be used at select grocery stores, farmers markets and corner stores across Michigan. For stores, the benefits may be provided as coupons, store loyalty card points, or credits to a Double Up Food Bucks card. For farmers markets, the benefits are often provided as tokens. Learn more about the program through this link.
WIC, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, is a federal food assistance program designed to support people who are pregnant, postnatal, and breastfeeding or chestfeeding and children up to age five. WIC benefits come on a Bridge Card and can be used to purchase approved foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, milk, eggs and baby formula and infant foods. Benefits are accepted at participating stores and select farmers markets. Learn more about the program through this link.
WIC Produce Connection provides WIC recipients with a once-per-season benefit of $30 (with a maximum benefit of $60 per family) to purchase fresh, locally grown produce. The benefits are accepted by authorized growers at farmers markets and roadside stands, from June 1 through November 30. Funds are added to the WIC Bridge Card. Learn more about the program through this link.
Senior Project Fresh provides a once-per-season benefit of $25 to eligible adults aged 60 and older, or 55 and older for citizens of a Michigan federally recognized tribe or urban tribal group. The benefits are accepted by authorized growers at farmers markets and roadside stands and are available through a mobile app that helps users track and redeem their benefits. They can be used on fresh Michigan-grown fruits, vegetables and honey between May 1 and October 31. Learn more about the program through this link.
Food pantries provide food, and in some cases, hygiene items to individuals and families with limited income. Food offerings may include fresh produce, frozen and canned goods, dairy, grains and proteins. Food pantries may be found at select nonprofit organizations, places of worship, schools, shelters and other community organizations. Pantries typically operate year-round but may have limited hours or selections, as they rely on donations and volunteers. To get connected to local food resources in your community, call or text 211 or visit the website at this link.
