LANSING — The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has been instructed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to temporarily pause the issuance of November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits because of the ongoing federal government funding lapse.

According to an Oct. 24 news release, the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service notified MDHHS that funding may be limited for SNAP payments, which support about 42 million individuals nationwide. Until further notice, MDHHS has been directed to hold November benefits and ongoing assistance.

The delay could impact roughly 1.4 million Michiganders who rely on SNAP benefits. According to MDHHS, about 43% of participating households include children and 36% include older adults or people with disabilities.

“The impact of ho

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