A Lifeline at Risk: Federal Changes Threaten Food and Healthcare Access

Beginning July 1, families, their service providers, and food assistance programs, including JFS' Nourish Food Pantry, throughout the state will begin feeling the effects of major federal policy changes enacted through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). 

What is Changing? 
On July 1st, a provision of the act that significantly restricts eligibility for the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) program goes into effect. On October 1st, similar restrictions go into effect for Medicaid. Altogether, most refugees and other lawfully admitted immigrants who have historically qualified for these programs will no longer have access to food and medical benefits. Refugees and other immigrants who arrive after July 1st will not have access to SNAP, those who arrive after October 1 will also not have Medicaid, and people who are already receiving these benefits will lose them at their next redetermination appointment (these are now happening every six months, instead of annually).  

Affected populations include refugees, asylees, Afghan evacuees who are not lawful permanent residents, survivors of human trafficking, certain humanitarian parolees, and other humanitarian populations. SNAP and Medicaid eligibility is now largely limited to U.S. citizens, many lawful permanent residents (aka “green card holders”), and Cuban and Haitian entrants. This is on top of proof of work requirements for able bodied people ages 18-64 without children that have been in effect since March. 

The changes that are about to happen could have far-reaching consequences for family stability, health outcomes, the charitable food network, and beyond. 
For over thirty years JFS has been committed to supporting the everyone who needs help, including immigrants, refugees, and other lawfully admitted individuals long after their initial welcome period. Our commitment sometimes lasts for months and even years after initial arrival, helping clients to find jobs and housing, to learn English, to apply for permanent residency, and even supporting them on the path to naturalization.  

Why This Matters 
Many newly arrived families rely on SNAP and Medicaid during their first years in the United States while they secure employment, learn English, and establish financial stability. The loss of these supports may leave many households struggling to afford groceries, medical care, and other basic necessities. Restricting access to food and healthcare could increase poverty and create new barriers to successful integration.  

JFS’ Greater Toledo Newcomer Center (GTNC) has already felt the impact of these cuts, as Ohio had implemented these restrictions implemented in November 2025. Caseworkers there have long advised newly arrived refugees, as well as other lawfully present clients, to utilize food pantries and strictly monitor their budgets. Delays in approval of Medicaid benefits have already resulted in massive medical expenses and delays in seeking medical support. 

For children, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and families with limited resources, the consequences may be particularly severe. When families lose food assistance, they often face difficult choices between purchasing food, paying rent, covering transportation costs, or obtaining medical care.  

Increased Pressure on Food Pantries 
JFS’ food pantry, as well as the other supplemental food providers throughout the county, expect to see an increase in demand in the coming months. 

SNAP serves as one of the nation's most effective anti-hunger programs. When families lose benefits, many turn to charitable food pantries to fill the gap. As refugee and immigrant households become ineligible for SNAP, Michigan food pantries can expect: 

• Increased demand for emergency food assistance. 

• More first-time pantry users seeking support. 

• Greater need for culturally appropriate and halal food options. 
  
• Increased strain on food inventories and volunteer capacity. 
  
• Higher operating costs for local hunger-relief organizations.  

​Food pantries already face rising food costs and growing community needs. Unlike SNAP, charitable food programs are not designed or funded to provide long-term food assistance at the same scale. Community organizations may struggle to absorb increased demand without additional public and private support.  
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How You Can Take Action 
Community members who are concerned about the impact of these changes on their neighbors can take several meaningful actions listed below.

Contact Elected Officials 
Michigan residents can contact their members of Congress and state legislators to share concerns about the impact these changes may have on refugee, immigrant, and low-income communities. Advocacy efforts can help inform future legislative proposals and state-level responses. 

Support Food Banks and Pantries 
As demand increases, JFS' Nourish Food Pantry will need additional support. Monetary donations allow our food bank to purchase food more efficiently than individual food drives. Volunteers will also be critical in helping us meet growing needs. 
Donate to Nourish here. 

Advocate for State-Level Solutions 
Michigan policymakers may have opportunities to explore state-funded programs or other policy approaches that help maintain access to healthcare and food assistance for vulnerable populations affected by federal changes. [refugees.org], [nilc.org] 

Looking Ahead 
The upcoming benefit restrictions represent one of the most significant changes to federal assistance eligibility for refugees and humanitarian immigrants in decades. While implementation will continue to evolve through federal and state guidance, JFS is preparing for increased demand for food assistance, benefits navigation, and emergency support services. 

Additional Information 
Immigration Status and Benefits 2026: New Verification Requirements and Restrictions | BenefitsUSA Blog 
Changes to Medicaid for Certain Non-citizens 
SNAP_Medicaid FAQ