CCJ works diligently to alleviate hunger both locally and nationwide.  In collaboration with local and national anti-hunger groups, CCJ works to promote, strengthen, and influence hunger-related policy issues related to the following food assistance programs.

• Food Assistance Program (FAP)
• National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
• School Breakfast Program (SBP)
• Summer Food Service Program (SFSP)
• At-Risk Snack and Supper Program (ASSP)
• Women, Infant, Children (WIC)
• Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)
• Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)
• Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)
• Emergency Food

A description of these programs in Michigan can be found in the Nourishing Michigan document.

CCJ provides advocacy services to FAP applicants and recipients in Michigan who are having a hard time accessing or keeping their food benefits.

In an effort to ensure that households are aware of the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, CCJ partners with Michigan State University Extension (MSUE) to provide Food Assistance-eligible Helpline callers with nutrition education and services.

Food and Nutrition Program Helpline (800) 481-4989

As part of our anti-hunger work, CCJ offers a toll-free Helpline where callers from throughout the state can see if they may be eligible for Food Assistance and receive an estimate of their benefits.  The Helpline staff can answer questions about food programs and the application process.  The Helpline staff may also let current recipients know if they are receiving the right amount of food assistance.  In addition, the Helpline staff can help people who are having problems with obtaining food assistance, keeping food assistance, or getting the right amount of benefits. 

Bilingual staff members are available to assist Spanish-speaking callers and we can accommodate callers speaking other languages through the use of the Language Line.  The Helpline is open Monday through Friday 9 AM until 5 PM.  After hours or when lines are busy, callers can leave a voice mail message, and staff will generally return calls within 1 business day.  The Helpline is operated in partnership and with support from Michigan State University Extension, the Michigan Department of Human Services, USDA, MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America and Share Our Strength.  For more information on these organizations, see Our Supporters.

Michigan Food Stamp Partnership Website

CCJ posts information on an internet site with helpful information on the Food Assistance Program.  A “food stamp calculator” is available for use by most households to determine if they should be eligible for Food Assistance, and if so, the amount of Food Assistance they will receive.  The website is located at: www.foodstamphelp.org. The Michigan Poverty Law Program, www.mplp.org hosts the website, wrote the software for the calculator, and works with CCJ to keep the calculator updated.