By Colin Ripmaster, Deputy Executive Director and Bob Kefgen, Associate Director of Government Relations
As the federal government shutdown enters its fifth week, the USDA has instructed all states, including Michigan, to pause the issuance of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits starting November 1. SNAP helps nearly 1.4 million Michiganders, including about 492,000 children, put food on the table each month.
In Michigan, benefits are automatically issued directly to recipients’ EBT cards on a rolling basis based on the last digit of recipients’ Social Security numbers. The benefit calendar starts on the third of each month, meaning Michigan families will begin feeling the effects on November 3 with disruptions compounding every two days until every SNAP household is impacted.
Here’s the expected impact timeline, based on current benefit distribution schedules:
- November 1 – Federal order to pause SNAP benefit issuance takes effect nationwide.
- November 3 – No benefits issued in Michigan for households with SSNs ending in 0.
- November 5 – No benefits for SSNs ending in 1
- November 7 – No benefits for SSNs ending in 2
- This continues every two days after that until November 21.
- Note: This timeline means all SNAP recipients will experience the loss of benefits on or before Friday, November 21, the Friday before Thanksgiving.
At this time, no contingency SNAP funding plan exists in Michigan like those recently announced in Colorado and California. Barring a change, it does not appear likely that relief will be available to Michigan families without a federal budget resolution. It is also not clear what might happen if there is a federal budget resolution either before or during the month of November. For example, if a budget were to pass on November 14, it is unclear whether benefits will resume November 15 or if the impact might take longer.
As families lose access to SNAP, schools can anticipate families to increase their reliance on other supplemental food resources, including school meals. The corresponding stress the loss of benefits will cause for students and families who rely on SNAP benefits will also compound as will the potential for student behavior issues.
On a final note, principals should understand that these shutdown-related disruptions are separate from the long-term reductions in benefits expected under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), which is projected to create $900 million in additional costs for state government and could result in a corresponding loss in benefits for Michigan households. Those changes are not scheduled to take effect until October 2027.
What Principals Can Do in the Next Few Days
With disruptions expected to begin as early as Sunday, November 3, this is a moment for calm, coordinated action. Even small steps in the next few days can make a meaningful difference.
Connect Quickly with Food Service Staff
Confirm your building’s meal capacity and any district guidance for handling increased participation. Reassure families that school breakfasts and lunches will continue uninterrupted.
Communicate Now, Clearly and Compassionately
Send a short message to families before Friday. Acknowledge that federal SNAP benefits may be delayed and share local food assistance contacts or district resources. Keep the tone supportive, not alarmist.
Inform and Equip Front-Line Staff
Brief secretaries, counselors, and teachers on what is happening so they can respond compassionately if families ask for help or if students show signs of stress or hunger.
Coordinate with Community Partners
Reach out to local food pantries, faith-based organizations, or civic groups already providing meal support. Many will welcome a quick partnership or space to distribute weekend meals.
Lead with Stability
Your calm presence matters more than ever. Reassure your team that schools remain a consistent source of support and safety for students, even when other systems falter.
Leadership Lens: When Systems Shake, Culture Steadies
When uncertainty grows, people look to principals for steadiness. Acting quickly and communicating clearly over the next few days will not solve the federal shutdown, but it will demonstrate what strong leaders always provide: stability, care, and connection when families need it most.
Federal decisions may ripple far beyond your control, but how you respond inside your building is entirely within your influence. Leadership in moments like this is not about fixing everything; it is about ensuring that students and families still feel seen, supported, and safe. When systems shake, culture steadies.