26 August 2026
SNAP Changes Hit Michigan Families: What the Data Shows — and What the State Can Do Next
#FactsMatter, the Citizens Research Council of Michigan podcast
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Recent federal changes to SNAP eligibility have already led to an 8% decline in Michigan participation, leaving roughly 100,000 residents without access to food assistance.
In this episode of the #FactsMatter podcast, Karley Abramson, Research Council Associate for Health Policy, outlines how the new federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) changed SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) eligibility, including the expansion of work requirements, the exclusion of refugees and asylum seekers, and the narrowing of geographic exemptions -- only counties experiencing extremely high unemployment now qualify. The episode also examines how these changes ripple through schools, health systems, and local economies, and what Michigan can do to mitigate the impact.
From universal school meals to navigation support and stronger food bank partnerships, the loss of roughly 100,000 participants represents an estimated $300 million reduction in federal food dollars flowing into Michigan’s economy, with ripple effects for families, grocers, and healthcare systems.
The conversation also highlights what Michigan can do to soften the blow, including universal school meals, navigation support, stronger food bank partnerships, and broader tools such as the earned income tax credit.
Karley underscores that while some losses are unavoidable, Michigan can still act to ensure that every eligible resident receives benefits and that those who fall through the cracks have access to alternative supports.
In this episode of the #FactsMatter podcast, Karley Abramson, Research Council Associate for Health Policy, outlines how the new federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) changed SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) eligibility, including the expansion of work requirements, the exclusion of refugees and asylum seekers, and the narrowing of geographic exemptions -- only counties experiencing extremely high unemployment now qualify. The episode also examines how these changes ripple through schools, health systems, and local economies, and what Michigan can do to mitigate the impact.
From universal school meals to navigation support and stronger food bank partnerships, the loss of roughly 100,000 participants represents an estimated $300 million reduction in federal food dollars flowing into Michigan’s economy, with ripple effects for families, grocers, and healthcare systems.
The conversation also highlights what Michigan can do to soften the blow, including universal school meals, navigation support, stronger food bank partnerships, and broader tools such as the earned income tax credit.
Karley underscores that while some losses are unavoidable, Michigan can still act to ensure that every eligible resident receives benefits and that those who fall through the cracks have access to alternative supports.