You’ve likely seen increased discourse in the news about SNAP, a food assistance program. During the most recent government shutdown of 2025, many individuals faced a pause in receiving their benefits because of the lapse in funding. What is SNAP, and why is the basic human right of access to nutritious food so important? Read on to learn more. 

What is SNAP?

SNAP stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. It is a food assistant program for low-income families to supplement monthly food expenses, so that nutritious food essential to health and well-being can be accessed by those in need.

SNAP benefits are provided via an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card. The EBT card works like a combination between a debit card and a business card, you can use it like a debit card, with a pre-determined amount automatically loaded each month, but like a business card, you can only use it at authorized stores and retailers to buy groceries.  

SNAP in 2024

Approximately 41.7 million people benefited from SNAP in 2024, at a cost of less than 2% of the annual U.S. budget. This is a relatively small investment and it has sweeping individual and societal benefits through decreased food insecurity, poverty alleviation, and economic activity.  

Why Food Access Matters

Similar to how negative experiences like community violence, natural disasters, and serious illness/injury can impact our mental and physical health, so too can nutritional adversities affect the structure and function of our nervous system and our corresponding emotional states, mental health, and physical health. Therefore, ensuring that all people have access to affordable nutritious food is critical.  

Michigan SNAP Eligibility

SNAP eligibility differs by each state. Michigan residents can check eligibility and apply for benefits here: https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/assistance-programs/food  

The application process can take time. If you are in need of immediate assistance: 

• The W Food Pantry provides food assistance to Wayne State community members. 

  • Visit 703 W. Kirby St., Detroit MI 48202 

• Forgotten Harvest has pantries across the Southeast Michigan area and also offers mobile food deliveries. 

• Matrix Human Services provides food on the 2^nd and 4^th Tuesday of every mont.h 

  • Visit 13560 E. McNichols Rd., Detroit MI 48205 

• PHG Urban Life Center has a food pantry and provides hot meals on the 3^rd Saturday of every month from 10AM-12PM 

  • Visit 6495 W. Warren Ave., Detroit MI 48210 

• The Perry Outreach Center has a food pantry and provides hot meals on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10AM-2PM 

  • Visit 2430 S. Beatrice St., Detroit MI 48217 

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