PHOTOS: Senator Peters Visits Lighthouse in Pontiac to Discuss Local Impact of Withholding SNAP Funding During Government Shutdown

PONTIAC, MI - U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) visited Lighthouse in Pontiac to discuss the local impact of withholding available funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) during the ongoing government shutdown. SNAP provides food assistance to more than 1.4 million Michiganders, including children, seniors, and people with disabilities. During the event, Peters met with Lighthouse staff to discuss how this funding lapse could impact their organization and others across Metro Detroit, especially as food insecurity continues to rise in communities across Michigan. Lighthouse provides vital food assistance to more than 100,000 people across Oakland County every year through food pantry and delivery services.

"At a time when higher prices are already making it harder for folks to put food on the table, essential SNAP benefits are being used for political games at the expense of Michigan families. The lapse in this vital support has left critical organizations like Lighthouse to meet the needs of our communities," said Senator Peters. "As we keep working to reopen the government, the contingency funding for SNAP benefits must be released in full to ensure folks in our state don't go hungry."

"Lighthouse is working tirelessly to address the growing needs due to the lapse in SNAP benefits. The hardworking individuals and families we serve are vital members of our community and contributors to our local economy, yet many are now facing greater risks of hunger, housing instability, and healthcare challenges. With public support, Lighthouse can continue expanding programs that lift families out of crisis and strengthen our entire community," said Ryan B. Hertz, President and CEO, Lighthouse.

To download photos from the event, click here.

Amid the ongoing government shutdown, Peters has remained committed to ensuring Michiganders can access essential food assistance. He recently introduced legislation to provide funding for both SNAP and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) to ensure benefits continue uninterrupted for the remainder of the fiscal year. Peters also called on U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins to release the billions of dollars currently at the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) disposal to ensure SNAP benefits continue to be administered.

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