Michigan is third among all states and leads the nation's largest states in ensuring low-income families have access to federal food benefits, according to a report filed with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The USDA Food and Nutrition Service estimates that, in Michigan, 89 percent of people who qualify for food assistance received it during 2007, the year covered in the report. This exceeds the national average of 66 percent and the 77 percent average for the Midwest region. The report graded Michigan six points ahead of Illinois with the highest participation among the seven Great Lakes states.

Among the nation's largest cities, a second report shows Detroit - with an estimated 92 percent - second only to Philadelphia (93 percent) in reaching eligible people.

"The Food Assistance Program ensures that families and children have food on the table," said Ismael Ahmed, director of the Michigan Department of Human Services (DHS). "Few services provide a more direct and important impact."

In October 2009, Michigan had more than 1.65 million people on its food assistance rolls, an increase of 425,000 since October 2007. Michigan used these tools to reach eligible participants:

• An online self-service application clients can use to apply for food benefits and enter changes to their case specialist. The application can be accessed at www.michigan.gov/mibridges and through the Helping Hand portal -www.michigan.gov/helpinghand.
• Hosting Unemployment Insurance Agency Problem Resolution Offices at DHS offices in Muskegon, Kalamazoo and Macomb County where clients can access the above applications.
• The Michigan Combined Application Project, or MiCAP, which automatically makes benefits available for federal Supplemental Security Income recipients.
• The Michigan Coordinated Access to Food for the Elderly, or MiCAFE, project, a partnership with Elder Law of Michigan that increases food access for seniors by allowing elder law workers to do interviews and ensure completion of applications.
• Outreach through Saginaw-based Center for Civil Justice, a statewide organization that promotes benefits for low-income residents. 
• Outreach through WIC offices, Food Bank Council of Michigan, regional food banks, Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program, Project Fresh, Meals on Wheels and similar outlets.

The comparative estimates were announced in a November 2009 publication, "Reaching Those In Need: State Food Stamp Participation Rates in 2007" prepared by Mathematica Policy Research for the USDA Food and Nutrition Service. It said Missouri had the highest participation at 100 percent followed by Maine (91 percent), Michigan (89 percent); Tennessee and Oregon (87 percent), West Virginia (85 percent) and Kentucky and Illinois (83 percent). No other state had estimated participation at or above 80 percent.

In Michigan, the Food Assistance Program supplements the food purchasing power of low-income individuals and families. The USDA pays for 100 percent of program benefits. The state and federal governments share administrative costs. DHS staff members statewide determine eligibility for applicants. The USDA estimates that every $5 in new benefits generates almost twice as much ($9.20) in total community spending.

For more information on food assistance in Michigan visit www.michigan.gov/foodstamps. People with questions about potential eligibility for food assistance can call the Statewide Food and Nutrition Program Helpline at 800-481-4989 or apply online at www.michigan/gov/mibridges.