Two days before November SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits are set to be reduced for an estimated 1.4 million Michiganders, state and community leaders are racing to soften the blow.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and 22 other state attorneys general have filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), demanding the agency use $6 billion in reserve funds to keep SNAP benefits flowing during a federal shutdown.

Metro Detroit families are taking preemptive action as millions of Americans face potential interruption of their food assistance benefits if the federal government shutdown continues beyond October.

Meijer will be waiving its home delivery fee for customers using SNAP benefits through Dec. 31, 2022.

On Tuesday, Governor Whitmer announced that additional assistance would help out 1.31 Michiganders across the state.

One-time payment to benefit eligible low-income households.

Community members with an active EBT/Bridge card can purchase food through the Ann Arbor Farmers Market. According to the Ann Arbor Farmers Market website, those using SNAP dollars just need to swipe their food assistance card at the market office window. Previously, Double Up program tokens were limited to $20 but the Ann Arbor Farmers Market suspended that limitation so community members can stretch their food assistance benefits even further. The Westside Farmers' Market and Pittsfield Farmers Market also support food assistance programs including the Bridge Card and Double Up Bucks programs. The Ann Arbor Farmers Market is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays at 315 Detroit St.Related:

LANSING, Mich. – Food assistance has been extended to students pursuing technical education. The state of Michigan said federal money will help pay for the program. Roughly 16,000 low-income college students who are enrolled in career and technical education programs could be eligible for SNAP, which stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. “These SNAP benefits will help them focus on their educational needs and prepare for a successful future.”Previous eligibility requirements had made it harder for technical students to qualify for food assistance. “Expanding access to SNAP is a huge benefit to students who are juggling their courses along with work, family and other obligations,” said Mike Hansen, president of the Michigan Community College Association.