Michigan Budget Director Visits Kalamazoo Food Bank as SNAP Cuts and Rising Costs Strain West Michigan Hunger Relief

Budget Director Sees SNAP Challenges in Kalamazoo as Governor Faces $88 Billion Budget Gap

State Budget Director Jen Flood joined state Sen. Sean McCann for a tour of Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes, hearing firsthand about the struggles families face accessing SNAP benefits amid rising costs and new federal regulations.

Federal Changes Put Food Access at Risk

Both officials walked through the food bank's warehouse, hearing from volunteers about what they're facing on the front lines.

"We are seeing the federal government pass the tab to states on some really important programs like SNAP and Medicaid," Flood said. "We wanted to come here to see sort of the work on the front."

The staff at Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes told Flood and McCann the people they serve are having a harder time accessing SNAP, pointing to new regulations from the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

"We know that families are facing rising costs, and so in the Governor's final budget, we have investments to help make sure that people maintain access to healthcare, maintain access food," Flood said.

Governor's Proposal Addresses Federal Pressures

The governor's proposal totals $88.1 billion. Included is more than $186 million in additional funds to administer SNAP, but also upwards of $780 million in Medicare funded support.

"The action that Congress took last year blew an enormous hole in our budget and it also puts access to food and health care at risk for millions of Michiganders," Flood said.

On top of addressing federal pressures, the state faces a more than $1 billion decline in revenue this year. When asked if the State Budget Office was taking that into effect, Flood said it is.

"We built our budget based on those projections," Flood said. "We'll get an update in May, but the Governor's committed to leaving..."

What This Means for West Michigan Families

The budget proposal includes significant investments to help state programs weather federal changes that could otherwise cut access to critical services. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act has introduced new work requirements and regulations that could disqualify vulnerable populations from assistance programs.

State officials say the $88.1 billion proposal represents their best effort to maintain access to food and healthcare as federal changes create gaps in coverage. The $186 million in additional SNAP funds will help administer the program amid increased federal cost-sharing requirements.

The $780 million in Medicare funding addresses federal pressures on healthcare programs, particularly as Medicaid eligibility changes affect who qualifies for coverage.

State officials emphasize that without these investments, families across West Michigan would face increased barriers to accessing essential services. The budget proposal reflects the administration's commitment to supporting vulnerable populations despite federal challenges.

Looking Ahead to May Update

State officials say they will receive an updated revenue projection in May, which will help determine the final implementation of the budget. The governor has committed to maintaining access to food and healthcare programs despite revenue shortfalls.

"We built our budget based on those projections," Flood said regarding current revenue estimates.

The budget proposal represents the administration's final major budget recommendation before the 2026 election, as Governor Whitmer faces term limits and cannot seek re-election for a third term.