The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says the food stamps freeze is a result of a federal government shutdown funding gap.

Michigan lawmakers proposed a bill package totaling nearly $1 billion to keep food benefits funded in the state. This comes as the federal government shutdown continues into its fourth week.

Start the day smarter. Get all the news you need in your inbox each morning. What is SNAP? SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, is a federal program that provides benefits to low-income families to help afford food.

The USDA ordered Michigan and other states to halt payment of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits until further notice, starting Nov. 1. The halt comes amid the federal government shutdown that began Oct. 1 after Congress failed to pass an appropriations bill that funds the operations of federal agencies and programs.

The impact of the federal government shutdown is now being felt in Michigan as officials say SNAP benefits have been paused.

Michigan House Democrats introduced a five-bill package to mitigate food access issues for residents at risk of losing SNAP benefits due to the federal government shutdown, while Republicans

Some West Michigan families are anxious as SNAP benefit cuts take effect in a few days. The Salvation Army strives to meet rising demand with limited resources.

Millions of Americans could lose SNAP benefits for food assistance if the government shutdown isn't resolved by November 1. Lighthouse CEO Ryan Hertz discusses the impact this could have on the communities they serve.

The state's Democratic members of the U.S. House want contingency funds to be used to keep food assistance benefits flowing.