
Co-authored by Donnie Johnson Sackey, PhD, Assistant Professor of English at the University of Texas at Austin.
This past summer, we had the opportunity to conduct a study interviewing approximately two dozen clients of food pantries across Michigan. We are doing this work as a part of a seed grant initiative called Food@MSU, designed to increase community-engaged research on food-related issues in the state of Michigan. We heard over and over again from food pantry clients a narrative that falls into what is called SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) “churn,” or moving off and on government food assistance as short-term financial circumstances change. We recorded stories from people who had worked hard to obtain stable employment and become self-sufficient enough to exit government assistance, only to return when a financial setback such as an unexpected auto repair or a medical bill made putting food on the table for their family an impossibility. For some, this was a constant cycle, to work, build, pay monthly bills, and then lose their footing over and over again. Evidence — both from this study and from a study conducted by the Urban Institute — indicates that this constant cycle causes tremendous anxiety for the entire family, disincentivizes saving over time, and is laborious and expensive for both these families and for the governmental agencies administering these programs. However, for low-income families, just one unanticipated expense can put longer term financial independence out of reach. We know how issues with financial insecurity lead to other issues. For example, consider how families living near or below the poverty line tend to have the worst health outcomes and the least access to resources that can promote health. Increasing access to food is one of several solutions that can have an impact.
As action researchers focused on improving the health and wellness for all communities, we believe in creating opportunities for all citizens to achieve financial security. Governor Whitmer’s policy to reduce asset restrictions for Michiganders to qualify for basic food assistance offers a sound public policy opportunity to allow more Michiganders to keep building their savings and receive emergency assistance when needed, keeping them on a path towards financial security instead of churning. The Governor’s policy, effective November 1, raises the amount of savings that a family can have and still qualify for SNAP and other emergency assistance to $15,000. Before this change, families would be required to spend down or demonstrate their assets fell below $500-$5000 — the most restrictive asset test in the country. (By comparison, 34 states have no asset test at all.) With this change, families can continue to save and cover those unanticipated expenses. Governor Whitmer’s policy creates the space and the opportunity for financial security.
We commend Governor Whitmer on this easing of the asset restriction to help Michigan families move forward on a path to a more financially secure future.
