Governor Tim Walz and state budget officials are warning that the federal government shutdown will cause hundreds of thousands of Minnesotans to lose access to nutrition assistance programs beginning November 1.
Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) Commissioner Tikki Brown held a press call today to discuss the continued shutdown’s impacts on Minnesota. “We know a loss of food support can risk Minnesotans’ ability to have enough food to feed their families,” said Commissioner Brown. “When food support disappears, the consequences for Minnesota are immediate and far-reaching. It impacts public health, the state and local economies, education, and workforce stability.”
On October 10, the United States Department of Agriculture issued holds on November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Nearly 440,000 Minnesotans accessing SNAP or the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP), including 180,000 children and 67,000 seniors, will lose their grocery benefits. MFIP cash benefits will continue to be issued as usual.
SNAP is Minnesota’s most effective tool for addressing hunger and poverty, providing food for children, seniors, people with disabilities, and working families. SNAP benefits feed rural communities who experience food insecurity at higher rates than urban areas. Benefits also play a vital role in Minnesota’s economy; billions in SNAP benefits support local businesses, grocery stores, farmers markets, and food retailers. SNAP benefits are fully funded by the federal government and benefits will be completely halted until a federal budget is passed.
Individuals and families currently receiving SNAP and MFIP Food should continue to use benefits as usual for now. Despite the ongoing shutdown, DCYF expects that SNAP recipients with unspent funds on their EBT cards will still be able to use these funds. They should keep their contact information up to date with their county or Tribal Nation to ensure updates will be received.
For more information about the federal government shutdown and additional resources, visit Federal shutdown information | Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families.