USDA ordered to issue partial November SNAP benefits

by orionontv | Nov 5, 2025 | Regional News

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 5, 2025

CONTACT: Erin Stover, stovere@michigan.gov

USDA ordered to issue partial November SNAP benefits
Partial benefits of approximately 50% to begin Saturday, Nov. 8

LANSING, Mich. – On Tuesday, Nov. 4, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) received communication from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) indicating that FNS will reduce the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) maximum allotments to approximately 50% of the SNAP recipients’ benefit payments for the month of November. SNAP recipients who normally receive their benefits on the third, fifth or seventh of the month will receive their partial SNAP allotment Saturday, Nov. 8. All other SNAP recipients will receive partial benefits on their normally scheduled date.

As a result, MDHHS will begin to issue partial SNAP benefits to recipients Saturday, Nov. 8. MDHHS is told this is due to limited availability of federal funds as a result of the federal government shutdown.

The funding for the partial November benefits will come from SNAP contingency funds, which will cover about half of the $9.2 billion that monthly SNAP benefit costs nationally. FNS had previously directed MDHHS to hold November SNAP issuance and ongoing benefits until further notice due to the federal government shutdown. New SNAP applications will be processed from October and November, however, it is unclear whether applicants will receive November benefits and MDHHS awaits further guidance from the USDA.

There remain multiple pending court proceedings that may further impact the provision of November SNAP benefits. If additional court action results in changes to the payment of partial benefits beginning on Saturday, November 8, MDHHS will provide updated information as it becomes available.

“We understand and share the disappointment many households feel about receiving only a portion of their November SNAP benefits. These benefits are a vital lifeline for many Michigan families, especially with the rising cost of food,” said Elizabeth Hertel, director of MDHHS. “In addition to SNAP benefits, we encourage those in need to visit local food pantries as needed, which can be found by calling 2-1-1.”

To help feed families amid the federal government shutdown, Governor Whitmer recently announced the State of Michigan will provide $4.5 million to the Food Bank Council of Michigan. This critical funding will help feed Michigan residents in all 83 counties and provide food delivery to those who can’t drive to their local food bank.

Whitmer also recently led a group of governors in a letter calling on the Trump Administration to prevent disruption to SNAP during the federal government shutdown. Additionally, the Executive Office of the Governor and state departments have helped Michigan residents feed their families by:

Continuing Double Up Food Bucks, a program that gives Michigan families money to purchase groceries, including fresh fruits and vegetables.
Supporting Hunters Feeding Families, a program that helps Michiganders get venison or other fresh game to feed their families.
Continuing to feed all 1.4 million public school students free breakfast and lunch.

SNAP recipients are encouraged to reach out to their local MDHHS office with any questions regarding SNAP benefits or can check MI Bridges for updates.

To find additional resources:

Dial 2-1-1 or visit mi211.org for free, confidential assistance and referrals to local food programs and support services.
Visit the Food Bank Council of Michigan to locate nearby food banks and learn about additional hunger relief efforts.

Call the Double Up Food Bucks program hotline at 866-586-2796, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Until Wednesday, Dec. 31, the program, which matches SNAP purchases of fruits and vegetables, will expand access so families can build up savings on their Double Up cards. Find a participating location near you: DoubleUpFoodBucks.org/find-a-location.

SNAP in Michigan

In FY 2024, the average SNAP household in Michigan received $335.03 in SNAP benefits per month, which is about $173 per person per month or $5.68 per person per day. Households with very low incomes receive more SNAP benefits than households closer to the poverty line because they need more help affording nutritious food.

492,225 children benefit from SNAP.

38,513 veterans participating in SNAP.

36% SNAP households have older adults.

43% SNAP households have children.

51% households have a person with a disability.

78% of SNAP households include someone with earned income.

In Michigan, more than 9,700 retailers accept SNAP. In 2023, retailers redeemed over $3.6 billion in SNAP.

To be eligible for SNAP in Michigan, applicants must be a U.S. citizen (or acceptable non-citizen status) and must live in Michigan. Eligibility is based on the financial situation of all members of a household. Everyone who lives together, purchases and prepares food together is considered a member of the same household group. In order to determine if a household is eligible for SNAP, MDHHS will review a household’s expenses, assets and income. Expenses include rent, mortgage, utility bills, child support and dependent care expenses. For individuals with a disability or who are at least 60 years old, medical care, medical supplies and health insurance premiums may be included as an expense.

ONTV’S WILDWOOD FILM FESTIVAL A SUCCESS

by orionontv | Nov 5, 2025 | Local News

ONTV’S WILDWOOD FILM FESTIVAL A SUCCESS

Festival Raises Funds NOCC

Orion Neighborhood Television, Orion’s community access television station, would like to thank all of the participants who took part in the 12th annual Wildwood Film Festival held on Oct. 22.

Movie goers arrived at the Oxford 7 theater for the screening of eleven short films produced by Lake Orion area filmmakers. The films were judged by ONTV volunteers and the top three were awarded prize money. Winners include: first place, “The Trail” produced by Emma Dorsey, second place, “The Legend of the Pie Bandit” produced David Pavelich, Ashe O’Dea and Brendan Cox, and third place, “Night of the Living Franks” produced by Drew Brouwer and The People’s Choice Award went to “Lowest Moment” produced by Owen Kurth.

It’s hard to believe we’ve been hosting the Film Festival for 12 years,” says Ian Locke, ONTV Executive Director. “It’s inspiring to see the depth of creative talent right here in our own community. We’re thrilled to be able to provide this opportunity year after year while supporting a local charity.”

The event raised funds for the North Oakland Community Coalition. ONTV staff was thrilled to present the NOCC with a sizable donation this year. ONTV would also like to thank its sponsors for adding to the success of this year’s festival: The Oxford Tap, Imaginos Workshop, Shining Taku, MI Prime Health, Classic Lanes and the Orion Chamber of Commerce.

Filmmakers were given the challenge of producing a 10 minute film in five days. Each group was given a prop, location and a line of dialog which they had to use in their film. The producers worked in groups with production equipment supplied by Orion Neighborhood Television.

Orion Neighborhood Television is an award winning community access television station serving the Village of Lake Orion and Orion Township. ONTV is housed at the Orion Center at 1349 Joslyn Rd. ONTV can be seen on Comcast Cable, AT&T U-Verse Channel 99, Roku Cablecast Channel and Amazon Fire TV. Programs can also be seen on-demand at www.orionontv.org. Contact ONTV by phone: 248-393-1060, Email: ONTV@orionontv.org.

November at the NOCC

by orionontv | Nov 5, 2025 | Local News, Nonprofit

Hello and happy November!

This year is flying by, and we hope you are having a great fall season! With the final stretch of 2025 upon us, in the newsletter below, we will cover:

Our November Board Member Spotlight

No Vape November (or EVER!) Campaign Information

Resources for Mental Health and the Holidays

Mrs. Rosa Everitt, Board Member

Please share a bit about your family.

My husband Beau and I have two boys, Lucas and Aidan, who attend Oxford Schools. Lucas is in 9th grade, and Aidan is in 8th. They’re both very active in sports throughout the school year—football, wrestling, powerlifting, and baseball keep us busy! As a family, we love spending time outdoors, whether it’s enjoying bonfires and s’mores, taking trips to the U.P., or gathering with family and friends. Life may be a little frenzied, but we wouldn’t have it any other way.

What is your profession?

Dean (Principal) of OSTC Northeast in Pontiac

How long have you been on the NOCC board?

1 year

Why did you want to become involved with the NOCC?

NOCC offers a wide range of valuable programs and resources to the Lake Orion and Oxford communities, and I wanted to be part of that impact. I appreciate how NOCC embraces initiatives that are essential to keep discussing within our broader community—especially those focused on mental and physical well-being, as well as substance abuse and alcohol use.

What is your favorite NOCC program?

I love how Youth Action Board (YAB) has inspired some of our students to take initiatives into their own hands and come up with their own resources to give back to students and strangers.

What is your favorite thing to do in the Lake Orion/Oxford Area?

I LOVE attending the Soup Stroll in December in downtown Oxford. It has become a family tradition of ours.

No Vape November OR EVER educates our students and community on the risks associated with vaping. Throughout the month, the NOCC will be visiting both Lake Orion and Oxford high schools to educate students on the dangers of vaping and the importance of a healthy, vape-free lifestyle through a series of lunchroom visits, table displays, and fun activities. Ask your student this month what they’ve been learning about vaping and their health!

Want to talk to your child about vaping, but are unsure how to start the conversation? Visit https://www.noccmi.org/vaping for information and guidance on how to have open, honest communication with your family about vaping. Let’s make this November a breath of fresh air!

With the holidays quickly approaching, there are a variety of emotions people can feel this time of year: this season can bring joy and excitement, but can also bring added stress, sadness, loneliness or grief. Between shortened hours of daylight, external pressures and expectations, or memories of those we’ve lost, it’s common to feel overwhelmed this time of year—even when surrounded by celebration.

Wherever you find yourself, remember that it’s okay to slow down and prioritize your mental and physical health. Even small, intentional steps can make a big difference. Setting boundaries, doing our best to maintain a regular sleep schedule, spending time outdoors, or reaching out to a friend, family member, or mental health resource are all ways to support our well-being this time of year. Remember: you don’t have to do it all, and you don’t have to do it alone.

If you or someone you love needs support, help is always available:

988 is a 24/7 crisis line available to text, chat, or call for yourself or for someone you care about. You can text or call the number 988, or visit https://988lifeline.org/ for more information.

Visit https://www.noccmi.org/treatment-recovery for local mental health resources, and https://www.noccmi.org/mental-wellness for more information about mental health, identifying crisis, and coping strategies.

Let’s take care of ourselves and each other the best we can this holiday season, because connection and compassion are the greatest gifts we can share!

2025 Local Gems Sweepstakes to Support Small Businesses

by orionontv | Oct 31, 2025 | Regional News

Oakland County Launches 2025 Local Gems Sweepstakes to Celebrate and Support Small Businesses

Post Date:10/31/2025 10:05 AM

Local Gems is a month-long campaign encouraging residents to shop locally and support small businesses across the county Nov. 1-30.
Shoppers can win $1,000, $500 or $250 courtesy of Genisys Credit Union by posting selfies taken at small businesses in Oakland County.
Organized by Oakland County Economic Development with partners Oakland Thrive, Main Street Oakland County and Genisys Credit Union, the campaign highlights the vital role small businesses play in driving local jobs, community investment and downtown vitality.

Pontiac, Mich. – Oakland County today kicked off the 2025 Local Gems Sweepstakes, a month-long campaign encouraging residents to shop local and support small businesses throughout the county. The launch event was held at Designed Mindfully in downtown Pontiac.

“Small businesses are the backbone of Oakland County’s economy giving our communities character and making our downtowns thrive,” said Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter. “The Local Gems Sweepstakes is a fun way to highlight and support them, especially as we head into the holiday shopping season.”

Running from Nov. 1-30, the Local Gems Sweepstakes invites shoppers to visit small businesses across Oakland County and post a selfie taken inside or outside the business for a chance to win $1,000, $500, or $250, courtesy of Genisys Credit Union. Each selfie taken at a different small business counts as a separate entry, increasing participants’ chances to win via random drawings.

“At Genisys, we are deeply rooted in our community, which is why we are proud to support initiatives like Oakland County’s Local Gems Sweepstakes,” said Jackie Buchanan, president and CEO of Genisys Credit Union. “Shopping local is not just a transaction; it is an investment that strengthens our small businesses and builds a unified community. We encourage everyone to discover our local treasures and shop local this holiday season.”

The campaign is organized by Oakland County Economic Development in partnership with Genisys Credit Union, Main Street Oakland County and Oakland Thrive. Since its creation, Local Gems has helped boost local spending and spotlight small businesses that define the county’s diverse and vibrant economy.

“Each year, this campaign helps residents discover new favorites while supporting long-time staples in their own neighborhoods,” said Dom Holmes, director of Oakland County Economic Development. “When we shop local, we’re investing directly in our community.”

Last year, nearly 500 unique small businesses located in 47 communities were submitted as local gems. The top 10 businesses receiving the most entries, including ties, were:

HobbyTown, Southfield
AM2PM Barbershop, Southfield; and It’s the Little Things, Ortonville
Designed Mindfully, Pontiac; and Vibrant Vizionz, Oak Park
Impact North, Ortonville
Bizzy Buzz Artisan Market, Rochester; and Monarch Home Design, Holly
Hamilton’s Feed & Fuel, Ortonville; Marcia Hovland Studio Gallery, Royal Oak; and Road Less Traveled Book Store, Farmington
Altered Designs, Holly; and Bijou Salon and Spa, Farmington
Bittersweet Café, Holly; Catching Fireflies, Berkley; My New Favorite Thing, Waterford; and Unexpected Craft Brewing Company, Oak Park
Design to Shine Salon, Madison Heights; Noelle the Stylist Studio, Madison Heights; and Uncle Joe’s Chicken Fingers, Southfield
Salinair Salt Room Spa, Rochester Hills; and Crave Nutrition, Waterford

“We were pleased to receive the top three most entries in the 2024 Local Gems Sweepstakes,” said Deya Marchand, owner of Designed Mindfully in Pontiac. “Our customers see us as more than a store. We are a space where community, creativity, and intentional living come together. The Local Gems campaign beautifully aligns with our mission to live and shop with purpose, supporting other small businesses and local artists.”

Small business owners can pick up Local Gems Sweepstakes posters and cards while supplies last to help promote the campaign. Materials are available through Oakland County Economic Development. For complete sweepstakes details and official rules, visit OakGov.com/ShopSmall.

“At Oakland Thrive, we’re proud to stand alongside Oakland County and our partners in uplifting the small businesses that fuel our local economy,” said Camille Walker-Banks, CEO of Oakland Thrive. “Initiatives like the Local Gems Sweepstakes not only shine a light on the creativity and resilience of our entrepreneurs—they remind residents that every purchase made locally strengthens our communities and creates lasting impact.”

Follow and share on social media using @AdvantageOak, #OaklandCounty, and #LocalGemOC.

College tour brings information to 24 Michigan campuses

by orionontv | Oct 31, 2025 | Regional News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 31, 2025

Contact: Cheri Hardmon

HardmonC@Michigan.gov

Fall college tour brings Secretary of State services and election poll worker information to 24 Michigan campuses

LANSING, Mich. – This month, the Michigan Department of State (MDOS) wrapped up the department’s 2025 fall college tour. The Secretary of State Mobile Office and its nonpartisan poll worker recruitment program, Democracy MVP, visited 24 Michigan colleges and universities in September and October, bringing essential services and information directly to students, faculty, and staff throughout the state. This outreach encourages civic responsibility among young voters and makes transactions typically offered in person at branch offices – like renewing a driver’s license, registering to vote, or getting a REAL ID – easily accessible on their college campuses.

“Young people in Michigan continue to shape the future of our state and lead the nation in turnout at the polls,” Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said. “College is a busy time, so we meet students where they are and bring our department’s essential services directly to them. By making government more accessible, we support Michigan’s strong, civically engaged college and university communities.”

The Secretary of State mobile office and Democracy MVP program made stops at the following college and universities:

Albion College

Alma College

Alpena Community College

Central Michigan University

Eastern Michigan University

Ferris State University

Grand Rapids Community College

Grand Valley State University

Henry Ford College

Kalamazoo College

Macomb Community College

Michigan State University

Michigan Technological University

Muskegon Community College

Northern Michigan University

Northwestern Michigan College

Oakland University

University of Detroit Mercy

University of Michigan – Ann Arbor

University of Michigan – Dearborn

University of Olivet

Washtenaw Community College

Wayne State University

Western Michigan University

Fall College Tour Graphic

“I am really excited about the opportunity to bring the Secretary of State mobile office to HFC,” said Henry Ford College Executive Director Tracye Y. Davis. “As a member of the MiLEAP Michigan College Student Basic Needs Task Force, we determined 12 Actionable Initiatives to assist with removing barriers for our students. One key Priority Recommendation is to enhance access to existing resources. This partnership between my office, HFC Student Activities, and the Michigan Secretary of State allows our entire College community—including students, faculty, staff, and community members—to conduct business with the Secretary of State right here at the College. I also understand how this is a sensitive time for members of our community, and some of the trust regarding governmental entities might have been compromised. We want to assure our students and community that they are in a safe place. Being able to provide this service on-site at the College to remove the transportation, location, and office hours barriers is a huge win for our community.”

“The Secretary of State’s Mobile Office is always a popular attraction at Eastern Michigan University because our students — most of whom are from Michigan — have easy access to update their driver’s license, register to vote, and complete other important tasks,” said Cathy Steiner, director of University Event Services and Eastern Michigan University Student Center. We appreciate the Secretary of State’s flexibility in coming directly to campus to offer these important services.”

“The Secretary of State Mobile Office’s presence on Macomb Community College’s Warren campus during Voter Engagement Day significantly enhanced access to voter services, helping our community engage more fully in the democratic process,” said Jamie Valente, manager of student life & leadership at Macomb Community College.

“We are grateful for our partnership with the Michigan Department of State,” said Melissa Baker-Boosamra, associate director of the office of student life at Grand Valley State University. “Having the mobile branch office on campus, we call that our one-stop-shop for voter registration for Grand Valley. And having all the other services too, it really is a wonderful program. The youth are our future, and young people have the responsibility, the right and the opportunity to take the world that we live in and make it their own. The reality is, it is a little bit of a trip to get to a Secretary of State’s office, whether that be by car or by bus and so the great thing about working with the Secretary of State’s office when it comes to voter registration is that no matter where in Michigan our students are from, they are able to be served by that mobile unit. If we have students who are on the east side of the state, we can send them to the mobile unit, and they will be able to be served just like students who are from right down the road.”

Michigan’s young voters

Michiganders aged 18 to 29 are among the nation’s most active young voters. Young people in Michigan voted in record numbers in 2024, marking the highest four-year increase in young voter turnout nationwide and ranking #3 in the nation for overall young voter turnout, according to the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE) at Tufts University. The CIRCLE report cited Michigan’s accessible voting policies, including preregistration for voters aged 16 and older, automatic voter registration, voting by mail, and early in-person voting, as contributing factors to the state’s high youth turnout in the 2024 election.

Michigan residents aged 16 or older can serve as poll workers in their community’s elections. The nonpartisan Democracy MVP program connects Michiganders interested in working as a poll worker with local clerks hiring workers for upcoming elections. Learn more at Michigan.gov/DemocracyMVP.

Secretary of State Mobile Office

Since its debut in fall 2021 with just one single van in Southeast Michigan, the mobile office program’s fleet has now grown to seven vehicles serving the entire state, making stops at senior centers, veterans’ organizations, health fairs, and other community events. In 2025, mobile offices brought accessible Secretary of State services to more than 1,100 events in communities throughout Michigan and conducted nearly 27,000 transactions for residents.

Visit Michigan.gov/SOSMobileOffice to learn more about mobile office services or to request a mobile office visit for your community.

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Wayne State University College Fall Tour MDOS staff assisted students at Wayne State University with various transactions including voter registration.

The Secretary of State mobile office visited Grand Rapids Community College, assisting students and employees with renewing driver’s licenses and other transactions.