Southwest Michigan residents affected by tornadoes eligible for food assistance replacement

MICHIGAN - The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced residents affected by storms and tornados earlier this month in Southwest Michigan may be eligible for replacement food assistance.

“Michigan residents who receive benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) should not go without food for their families as a result of the power outages from last week’s storm,” said MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel. “We stand ready to help them by replacing food they purchased with SNAP benefits.”

MDHHS states residents may be able to replace lost food that had been purchased with benefits received through SNAP.

Replacement food is only available to those already receiving food assistance benefits, says MDHHS officials.

The replacement amount will be based on the amount of food lost by the household, up to a maximum of one month’s food assistance benefits.

Branch, Cass, Kalamazoo, and St. Joseph Counties all had reported power outages following the storms. All counties where Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared a State of Emergency.

Food Assistance Program recipients who had food spoiled due to a verified power outage or lost to storm damage can call 844-464-3447 to request replacement food benefits.

The deadline for requesting replacement benefits is Tuesday, May 28.

Michigan families who do not receive assistance and who were affected by the power outages can visit the MDHHS website for additional resources.