Michigan's Double Up Food Bucks Program Expands in Response to Federal SNAP Disruption

Gov. Whitmer, MDARD Applaud Quick Action by Fair Food Network

LANSING, Mich. – The Fair Food Network is taking quick action this week through its Double Up Food Bucks Program to assist Michigan families facing a disruption in federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

“In Michigan, we work to support one another as best we can and this moment is no different,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “We know SNAP is a lifeline for Michigan families. It helps families put nutritious food on the table, supports local farmers and grocers, and strengthens our communities and economy. These changes to the Double Up Program will go a long way in ensuring access to healthy food can continue while we push our federal partners to reach a deal that avoids more harm to Michigan families.”

Last week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture ordered states to pause SNAP distribution beginning Nov. 1 as the federal government shutdown continues. Michigan’s Double Up Food Bucks Program – which is supported by a grant administered by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) – is expanding through the end of December in response to the lapse in funding.

“At a time when Michigan families are seeing uncertainty and threatened benefits at the federal level, it's important that we're doing all that we can to ensure healthy food continues to reach our most vulnerable communities,” said MDARD Director Tim Boring. “We at MDARD appreciate our partners at the Fair Food Network for mobilizing quickly with this bonus program and making Double Up as robust as possible in response to SNAP funding running out."

Fair Food Network (FFN) is taking the following immediate actions in Michigan, effective through Dec. 31, 2025:

1. Expanded access and flexibility so families can build up savings on their Double Up cards:

• Double Up earnings no longer expire. FFN lifted the 90-day limit so shoppers can use their earned benefits whenever they need them. 

• No daily earning cap. FFN removed the usual $20 per day limit, enabling families to earn as much as they can while shopping for fresh produce. 

• Frozen fruits and vegetables are now eligible. Shoppers can now use Double Up on frozen options with no added salt, sugar, or oil—available at all 237 locations across the state. 

2. NEW: Double Up Bonus Bucks, a limited-time voucher of $40 that will not require a matching SNAP purchase to receive. It can be used exclusively on fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables beginning Nov. 1 and will be distributed:

• Directly onto Double Up cards and app, or loyalty cards at participating sites, where applicable. 

• As printed vouchers for shoppers using tokens or coupons at participating locations. 

FFN’s goal is to reach as many families as possible across the state—keeping healthy food on tables and revenue flowing through neighborhood grocery stores. Double Up Bonus Bucks will expire Dec. 31, 2025, to encourage timely use.

“Double Up works because SNAP works,” said Kate Krauss, CEO of Fair Food Network. “When SNAP is disrupted, families feel it immediately—and so do the local grocers and farmers who serve them. That’s why we’re acting quickly to ease the burden, expand access to healthy food, and support the community food retailers that keep fresh produce on shelves and dollars circulating locally. This is what we’re built to do—step up with practical, community-rooted solutions when it matters most.”

What Michigan SNAP beneficiaries should know:

• You can still use any SNAP dollars already on your EBT card—those funds are not affected. 

• All previously earned Double Up Food Bucks remain available. 

• Double Up is available year-round at grocery stores, even as farmers market season winds down. 

To learn more, visit DoubleUpFoodBucks.org and FairFoodNetwork.org.

Need Help or Have Questions?

• Call the Double Up hotline at 866-586-2796, 9 am – 5 pm ET, Monday – Friday. 

• Find a participating location near you: DoubleUpFoodBucks.org/locations 

• Dial 2-1-1 or visit Find Help – Michigan 2-1-1 for free, confidential assistance and referrals to local food programs and support services. 

• Visit the Food Bank Council of Michigan to locate nearby food banks and learn about additional hunger relief efforts. 

• Explore MI Bridges to learn more about SNAP, which offers temporary food assistance to eligible families. 

SNAP in Michigan

In Fiscal Year 2024, the average SNAP household in Michigan received $335.03 in SNAP benefits per month, which is about $173 per person per month or $5.68 per person per day. Households with very low incomes receive more SNAP benefits than households closer to the poverty line because they need more help affording nutritious food.   

• 492,225 children benefit from SNAP. 

• 38,513 veterans participating in SNAP.  

• 36% SNAP households have older adults.  

• 43% SNAP households have children.  

• 51% households have a person with a disability.   

• 78% of SNAP households include someone with earned income.  

In Michigan, more than 9,700 retailers accept SNAP. In 2023, retailers redeemed over $3.6 million in SNAP.  

To be eligible for SNAP in Michigan, applicants must be a U.S. citizen (or acceptable non-citizen status) and must live in Michigan. Eligibility is based on the financial situation of all members of a household. Everyone who lives together, purchases and prepares food together is considered a member of the same household group. In order to determine if a household is eligible for SNAP, MDHHS will review a household’s expenses, assets and income. Expenses include rent, mortgage, utility bills, child support and dependent care expenses. For individuals with a disability or who are at least 60 years old, medical care, medical supplies and health insurance premiums may be included as an expense. 

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