Families Face Losing Food, Childcare In Government Shutdown

(Source: MIRS.news, Published 11/5/2025) Michigan organizations that provide food assistance and early childhood education warn that the ongoing federal government shutdown is cutting off services for children and families, and could force more programs to close if funding is not restored soon.

During a virtual press conference Wednesday, leaders from early education programs and anti-poverty agencies said families are beginning to lose access to meals, childcare and classroom support that help young children learn and allow their parents to work.

“This moment is about more than policy — it’s about values,” said Alicia Guevara, CEO of the Early Childhood Investment Corporation. “Do we believe that every child deserves a strong start? That working parents should have reliable child care? That having food on the table is a right and not a privilege? Those foundations are cracking.”

The Council of Economic Advisers estimates the shutdown is costing Michigan’s economy roughly $361 million per week — and about $1.6 billion if it lasts a month.

Meanwhile, the fight has spilled into the courts. Attorney General Dana Nessel has joined lawsuits challenging the federal government’s move to halt or reduce Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has said it will issue partial SNAP benefits for now, but advocates are urging state lawmakers to create an emergency fund in case federal support stops.

The shutdown is also affecting Head Start, which provides early childhood education and nutritious meals to low-income children. Michigan has 48 Head Start programs serving about 30,000 children. They receive a combined $423 million in federal funding.

Nine programs serving nearly 3,000 children are already without renewed funding. One program in Gogebic and Ontonagon counties closed this week, affecting more than 100 children and 22 staff members.

Tricia Grifka, president of the Michigan Head Start Association Board of Directors, said parents are afraid of losing more than just child care. She recalled one mother describing how her son barely spoke before starting Head Start — but now writes his name and tells stories about his day.

“Her biggest fear isn’t just losing a place for her child to go,” Grifka said. “It’s losing the place where her child finally found his voice.”

Community Action agencies, which provide child care, food support, housing help and emergency services in all 83 counties, are also cutting back. Three agencies in the Upper Peninsula have already begun laying off nearly 200 staff members.

“It has already been a difficult task helping families escape cycles of poverty,” said Brian McGrain, executive director of Michigan Community Action. “This shutdown is causing fear and strain at the local level. This is not about politics — it’s about keeping children fed, families housed, and communities strong.”

Advocates urged Congress and the White House to reach an agreement quickly to prevent deeper harm.

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