LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) — Michigan families who rely on food assistance could face delays this November as federal funding stalls in Washington due to the government shutdown.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has told the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) to pause November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)  benefits, according to an October 23 press release. 

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The delay stems from the ongoing federal budget stalemate in Washington, which has frozen funding for about 42 million Americans, 1.4 million of whom live in Michigan.

“We are strongly disappointed by the USDA’s decision to delay this assistance, and in Michigan we will do what we can to help blunt this impact,” MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel said. 

Roughly 13% of Michigan households rely on SNAP, including families with children, seniors, and people with disabilities. The average benefit is about $335 a month per household.