MSU Extension Nutrition

Due to what is now the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, the largest federal anti-hunger program, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has been disrupted. In response to the disruption, Michigan-based national nonprofit, the Fair Food Network has rolled out temporary changes to their Double Up Food Bucks program,  which helps SNAP shoppers stretch their benefits.

Funded by the Farm Bill and administered by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) in Michigan, SNAP supports nearly 1.4 million low-income families to supplement their grocery costs so they can afford nutritious food. To qualify for SNAP in Michigan, applicants must meet income requirements, be U.S. citizens or have eligible immigration status. According to MDHHS, in fiscal year 2024, Michigan SNAP households received an average of $335/month or $173 per person - about $5.68 per day. 

The Double Up Food Bucks program doubles the value of SNAP dollars spent on fruits and vegetables, making healthy food more affordable for SNAP households. More than 230 grocery stores and farmers markets across Michigan participate in the program.

Temporary changes to Double Up Food Bucks now in effect through December 31, 2025 include: 

• The $20 per day limit has been temporarily removed, allowing SNAP Double Up shoppers to earn as much as they spend on fruits and vegetables at participating grocery stores and year-round farmers markets. 
• Frozen fruits and vegetables with no added salt, sugar, or oil are now eligible for Double Up.
• For a limited time, shoppers can receive a $40 Bonus Bucks voucher, while supplies last, on fresh and frozen produce with no SNAP match needed. 

“This crisis in food access can feel very isolating,” said Rachel Hoh, Director of Double Up Food Bucks. “I want families to know they are not alone in this moment and we are doing everything in our power to be a steady and reliable presence, especially at this time of year.” The temporary changes aim to maximize earnings for shoppers and will remain until the end of the year, no matter what happens with SNAP. 

The Double Up Food Bucks team has been actively communicating with participating grocery stores and farmers markets to ensure a smooth rollout of these changes.  “We are moving as fast as we can,” Hoh added. “There may be some issues, but we encourage shoppers, grocers and markets to call our hotline, share feedback, and let us know what they are experiencing.” 

At Oryana, a locally-owned cooperative grocery store in Traverse City, Michigan, staff have been quick to adapt to the Double Up updates. As the only grocery store in Grand Traverse County participating in Double Up Food Bucks, Oryana has updated their systems to ensure all qualifying fruits and vegetables are eligible under the new guidelines. Special signage has been placed around the store near products that qualify for Double Up Food Bucks. Store staff are keeping up with the news and are helping to make sure shoppers at both of their locations and take advantage of the changes.         

Oryana shoppers can also choose to round up their purchases at the register to support the Northwest Michigan Food Coalition, another effort to strengthen local food security. According to Jacqueline Bishop, Oryana Digital Communications Manager, “cashiers and customer service staff have noticed an increase in Double Up participation among existing SNAP users. We want to be loud and proud about this -- we’ve really shifted our focus to support it.”

For more information on the temporary changes to Double Up Food Bucks visit this resource. Questions and feedback are welcomed by calling the Double Up Food Bucks Hotline at 866-586-2796, 9am-5pm EST Monday - Friday.

For for information and tips on stretching your food dollars, finding a local food pantry or donating to a food bank check out our MSU Extension food assistance page.