Michigan to change its food stamp distribution policy in 2011

Michigan residents who rely on food stamps will see some changes beginning in January.

Michigan's 1.9 million food stamp recipients get their benefits in lump sum at the beginning of the month. Most food stamp purchases are made at that time, which can lead to long lines at the checkout counter and a shortage of fresh produce at some stores.

"We know that we’re going to be busier those days, so we typically have more staff in the store," says Joe Gappy, manager at Gigante Prince Valley Supermercado in southwest Detroit.

Beginning January 4^th, Michigan will spread its food stamp distributions throughout the month. That means some recipients will receive their lump sum benefits on the 5th of the month, for example, others on the 19th.  Click here to see a chart detailing date changes for food assistance benefits.

Joe Gappy is happy about the change:

Gappy says he'll also now be able to spread his produce purchases throughout the month. Gappy says none of his customers have asked him personally about the food stamp changes, but that his coworkers have explained it to people who have had questions, and they "have posters posted throughout our store talking about what’s going to happen. The food stamp program has given us posters to talk to people about it."

The Michigan Grocers association says this about the changes: