For thousands of our neighbors, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) plays a critical role in making sure their families can access the healthy food they need to thrive. However, recent federal changes to SNAP will soon begin to affect individuals and families in our community, and it’s important to understand what’s shifting.
SNAP in Our Community
In Ottawa County, more than 6,300 families count on SNAP to afford food each month (U.S. Census Bureau, n.d.). These neighbors are working hard to keep food on the table while navigating rising costs, unexpected bills, and changes to the systems they count on.
What is SNAP?
SNAP is a federal program that helps low-income individuals and families afford the groceries they need to thrive. Benefits are loaded onto a card that can be used at participating grocery stores and markets to purchase foods like fresh produce, meat, dairy, bread, and pantry staples.
SNAP is one of the most effective tools that’s been used to build food security and long-term health.
SNAP Provides Access to Healthy Food, and Healthy Food Leads to a Healthy Life
When people have access to healthy food, their health improves. Older adults who enroll in SNAP stay mentally sharp for several years longer than those who qualify and don’t enroll (Howard, 2025).
Additionally, children in families that use SNAP are more likely to grow up healthy than those in families who qualify but aren’t enrolled (Food Resource & Action Center, n.d.).
SNAP Stretches Budgets Further
In 2023, the average monthly SNAP benefit was about $183 per person, or roughly $6.10 per day. No family should have to choose between buying healthy food and paying rent. But when money is tight, many are forced to pick cheaper, less nutritious options just to make ends meet. SNAP helps ease that pressure, making it possible for families to get the healthy food they need while still covering other essentials.
What’s Changing with SNAP?
A new federal bill was recently passed that will bring several changes to the SNAP program in the coming years. While we don’t yet know exactly how these changes will be rolled out, any time there are new or different administrative requirements, it can mean that people who qualify slip through the cracks.
These changes will impact both the individuals who receive benefits and how states manage the program. While the exact timeline for rolling out the new eligibility requirements hasn’t been set, these are the shifts that are on the way.
1. Changing Eligibility Requirements
Work requirements now extend to adults up to age 64
Old Policy: Able-bodied adults without dependents were required to meet work requirements up to age 54.
New Policy: That age limit will increase to 64.
What this could mean: A 62-year-old without children who needed SNAP while recovering from a layoff or health issue may now need to meet work or training requirements to maintain access to food benefits, despite challenges in finding employment at that age.
Parents with children 14 and older are now required to meet work requirements
Old Policy: Parents and guardians were exempt from work requirements if they had any children under the age of 18 in their household.
New Policy: That exemption only applies to those with children under the age of 14.
What this could mean: A single parent with a 15-year-old now must meet work requirements, regardless of whether they have access to child care, transportation, or a flexible work schedule. This could create more pressure for families already balancing multiple responsibilities.
Veterans, people experiencing homelessness, and former foster youth must now meet work requirements
Old Policy: These groups were largely exempt from work requirements.
New Policy: They are required to meet work requirements to maintain their benefits.
What this could mean: Individuals facing housing instability or other challenges (like lack of transportation, critical documents, or essential items for work like clothing) may now risk losing access to food support if they’re unable to meet work requirements. Meeting these requirements may be especially hard to navigate without stable housing or support systems.
2. Increased State Cost-Sharing
States will soon be required to fund 75% of the administrative costs of SNAP.
Previously, the cost of administering SNAP was split evenly between the state and federal government. Starting in the fall of 2026, states like Michigan will take on more of those administrative costs. Then, beginning in fall 2027, states like Michigan could potentially be required to cover up to 15% of the SNAP benefits themselves.
What This Means for Our Community
We don’t yet know the full impact of these changes, but they will create new challenges for states, service providers, and families who count on SNAP. Michigan will need to find additional funding to cover its increased share of SNAP costs. At the same time, local support systems like Community Action House will likely see an increase in neighbors asking for help—especially those navigating new work requirements or changes to their benefits.
The process of enrolling in SNAP is already a challenge, especially for those who face barriers like limited internet access, transportation, or understanding how the system works. Without clear guidance, these changes may cause people to lose access to food support not because they’re ineligible, but because the process to prove eligibility is becoming increasingly difficult to navigate.
One of the most immediate changes is the end of SNAP-Ed, a program that provided essential education and support for SNAP participants, including classes on healthy cooking, grocery budgeting, and nutrition. SNAP-Ed will end on September 30, 2025, including our own partnership with MSU Extension, which brought hands-on family cooking classes to our Food Club & Opportunity Hub.
How You Can Help
As SNAP changes take effect, Community Action House is focused on doing what we’ve always done: making sure neighbors have access to healthy, affordable food and the opportunity to build a brighter future. Our Resource Navigation team is keeping up with the latest SNAP updates, and is ready to walk alongside neighbors who need support navigating these changes.
If you or someone you know has questions about food benefits, local food resources, or navigating next steps, our Resource Navigation team is here to help. Contact them at resource@communityactionhouse.org or 616-392-2368 x 810
These coming changes will impact thousands of neighbors. Community Action House was built for times like these, powered by a community that believes a stronger future is possible when we all show up together.
This Hunger Action Month, join us in action and help us respond by:
Becoming a monthly donor to provide a foundation of stability for our programs that nourish, equip and empower our neighbors!
Packing meal kits to help families in our community cook simple, easy, fresh meals together!
Hosting a single item drive at your place of work or worship to stock our shelves at Food Club!
References
Carlson, S. & Llobrera, J. (2022). SNAP Is Linked With Improved Health Outcomes and Lower Health Care Costs. Center on Budget & Policy Priorities. cbpp.org/research/food-assistance/snap-is-linked-with-improved-health-outcomes-and-lower-health-care-costs
Food Research & Action Center. (n.d.). The Positive Effect of SNAP Benefits on Participants and Communities. Retrieved September 9, 2025, from frac.org/programs/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap/positive-effect-snap-benefits-participants-communities
Howard, J. (2025). Food assistance benefits are tied to slower cognitive decline in older adults, new study suggests. CNN. cnn.com/2025/07/30/health/snap-benefits-cognitive-decline-study-wellness
U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Department of Commerce. (n.d.). Food Stamps/Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). American Community Survey, ACS 1-Year Estimates Subject Tables, Table S2201. Retrieved September 9, 2025, from https://data.census.gov/table/ACSST1Y2023.S2201?q=Ottawa+County,+Michigan+SNAP.
