Farmington Hills, MI —  On Wednesday, March 12, the state Senate voted to make Michigan the first state in the nation to issue food stamps twice each month.

The Associated Food & Petroleum Dealers (AFPD) and other supporters say the bill would make fresh food more readily available to food stamp recipients throughout the month and help grocery stores with their inventory.

“AFPD has worked very hard, for many years, to get this legislation passed,” said Jane Shallal, president of the Associated Food & Petroleum Dealers.  “Twice-monthly food stamp distribution will assist retailers with staffing and stocking perishables.  It will also give recipients more flexibility and encourage them to buy fresh, healthy perishable foods throughout the month,” Shallal added.

Michigan’s 1.2 million food stamp recipients — the highest number ever — have their benefits added to a debit card once a month, early in the month. 

Retailers say the food stamp allotment is spent early and usually all at once, causing grocers problems with staffing, cash flow and inventory.  In addition, food stamp recipients aren’t buying enough healthy, fresh food throughout the month.

Senate Bill 120 passed on a 35-2 vote and was sent to the House, where similar legislation, (HB 4923) is pending.

The Associated Food & Petroleum Dealers is the voice of the food, beverage and fuel industries in Michigan and Ohio.  Representing nearly 4,000 retailers, wholesalers, distributors and manufacturers since 1910.  AFPD’s executive offices are in Farmington Hills, Michigan with branch offices in Lansing and Dublin, Ohio.