What will happen to SNAP in Michigan after Trump cuts? [ae72ORnQt7Q]
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a lifeline for millions across America. But CEO of the South Michigan Food Bank, Peter Vogel, fears it could soon cease. In 2025, President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill shifted more of the program’s cost from the federal government to the state government, leading to concerns over whether states can afford it. “If you're going to ask me what my big worry is, it's snap,” Vogel said. The SNAP program is funded in two parts: administration and food. Historically, the federal government paid for half of the administration costs and all of the food costs. But, as the current budget stands, there is about to be a big shift. Beginning in October, every state will go from paying 50% of administration costs to 75%, which Vogel says would be an additional $95 in Michigan. State leaders that Vogel has spoken with are fairly confident they’ll be able to come up with that funding, but the even bigger challenge lands a year later. "That's what scares me to death," Vogel said. In October 2027, states will become responsible for some food costs for the first time in program history. Michigan is anticipated to take on about 10% of food costs, according to Vogel, which equals about $420 million. “I don't know that that's a number we can even get to. Like, we'd have to decimate so much of the rest of the budget to be able to get there. I don't think we can do it,” Vogel said. “Here's part of the challenge too, that law very clearly says it's an all or nothing. So if Michigan can't come up with all the money, then snap goes away.” The end of the SNAP program would leave a gap that food banks do not have the capacity to fill. When you take all of the food banks in the United States, Vogel says they distribute a little more than 6 billion meals. “6 billion is a pretty big number. SNAP does about nine times that much,” he said. “My lines can't get nine times longer. I don't have the warehouse space. I don't have the staff. I don't have the trucks. I don't have the infrastructure. I can't, I can't do that.” News Channel 3 reached out to leaders on both sides of the aisle to ask a series of questions including: Are you concerned about whether the SNAP program will survive these changes? What are you going to do to ensure the program survives? “I am always concerned about these really important, key programs,” State Rep. Julie Rogers (D - Kalamazoo) said. According to Rogers, one thing that Democrats are doing to help is the Universal School Meals program, which provides free breakfast and lunch, regardless of a family’s income. But, not all families have school age children. Rogers says there are other populations she worries would struggle if SNAP were to be eliminated. “Many of our senior citizens receive Snap benefits. Many people on fixed incomes or on pensions,” she said. “And frankly, the private sector cannot pick up all the slack. Neither can the state government. We can help. But these federal programs, it was never intended to have states bear the full cost.” News Channel 3 has not yet heard back from a Republican representative, but will provide updates as they become available. _______________ Stay up to date with our social media: WWMT on Facebook: WWMT on Twitter: Subscribe to WWMT on YouTube: WWMT Daily News Digest: For more information, visit Have a news tip? Send it directly to us: Email us: [email protected] Call the Newsroom: 800.875.3333 WWMT is a MI based station and a CBS Television affiliate owned and operated by Sinclair Broadcast Group. Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. is one of the largest and most diversified television broadcasting companies in the country today. #WWMT #NEWSCHANNEL3 #Kalamazoo #Michigan