16 GROUNDCOVER NEWS FOOD Garlic broccolini ELIZABETH BAUMAN Groundcover contributor Ingredients: 2 bunches broccolini (about 1 pound total) 1 tablespoon olive oil 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes 1/2 cup water Directions: Rinse the broccolini under cool water and shake off the excess water. Trim about one inch off the bottom of the broccolini stems. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the broccolini and sauté until the broccolini is bright green and some of the stems and tips of the florets are lightly charred, 5 to 7 minutes. Add the garlic, salt, and red pepper flakes. Continue to sauté until the garlic is fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the water, cover, and cook until the Broccolini is vibrant green and crisp-tender; this is about 1 to 2 minutes. Serve broccolini immediately. A very easy, quick recipe. MAY 15, 2026 Navigating new Michigan SNAP work requirements LINDSAY CALKA Publisher On March 1, 2026 “HR1” took effect — and if you receive food stamps, you need to take action. HR1, or “The Big, Beautiful Bill,” installed new work requirements for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP or food stamp) recipients in select counties in Michigan without high unemployment, including Washtenaw County. This is particularly important for parents of children 14 and older (before, work requirements only applied to parents of children over 18), and adults ages 18-64 — previously it was 55. To satisfy the work requirements, SNAP recipients must work more than 80 hours monthly, or earn at least $580/ monthly (calculated with federal minimum wage). Alternatively, SNAP recipients can volunteer for a certain number of hours — determined by dividing the value of their program group benefits by the Michigan minimum wage. You can be exempt from the work/volunteer requirement if you care for an incapacitated person or a child under age 6 (any person, not necessarily kin.) If you are already working or volunteering, you cannot quit or reduce your hours to maintain eligibility in another way. Still, many are eligible for exemptions PHONE (734) 994 - 9174 • PEOPLESFOOD.COOP NATURAL FOODS MARKET & DELI 216 N. FOURTH AVENUE ANN ARBOR, MI MAKE MEALS YOU LOVE! Fresh ingredients to $5 OFF ANY PURCHASE OF $30 OR MORE One coupon per transaction. Must present coupon at the time of purchase. Coupon good for in-store only. No other discounts or coop cards apply. Not valid for gift cards, case purchases, beer or wine. 06/11/2026 OFFER EXPIRES 5/30/2026 and deferrals, including those who are: pregnant; receiving unemployment or disability benefits (new application or appeals); physically or mentally disabled; attending a qualified (state-supported) training program half-time or more; American Indian or Alaskan Native (up to second descendant if living in Metro Detroit, verify through self-attestation); mentally/physically unfit for working (domestic violence, unhoused, substance use — verify through self-attestation and documentation) — or if the SNAP recipient is already complying with the work requirements for Family Independence Program. If you were not aware of these changes, or have not reported any work or exemption since March 1, you will not lose benefits immediately — a person is allowed three months of not meeting the work requirements over three years. If you are concerned about maintaining access to food benefits, take action by updating your MIBridges profile and contacting your local MDHSS office.
17 Publizr Home