The Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) has expressed deep outrage after receiving a memo from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) ordering the state to reverse the full Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits it had already issued for November 2025. The department announced on Sunday that it was “appalled” by the directive, which it says would not only hurt hundreds of thousands of Minnesotans who rely on the program but also expose the state to harsh financial penalties if it fails to comply.
According to DCYF, the USDA memo arrived shortly after Minnesota distributed full SNAP benefits on Friday, a move that provided essential food assistance to about 440,000 residents across the state. The department said it had acted in good faith to ensure that families in need received their benefits on time, especially given the ongoing uncertainty surrounding federal funding during the government shutdown. The order to undo those payments, officials said, was both impractical and unfair.
In its statement, DCYF emphasized that the state has no system in place to reclaim SNAP benefits that have already been distributed. Unlike other types of payments, SNAP funds are immediately used by recipients to purchase groceries, making it nearly impossible to retrieve the money once it’s been spent. The department said trying to take those funds back would not only cause confusion and distress for families but also go against the very purpose of the program—to ensure that Minnesotans have access to food.
“This situation puts us in an impossible position,” the department said. “We acted quickly to make sure families would not go hungry, and now we’re being told to reverse that decision. It’s not just unworkable—it’s unjust.”
The department also warned that the USDA’s threat of “severe financial penalties” could further harm Minnesota if the state refuses to comply. However, DCYF officials said they are determined to stand by Minnesota families and are exploring every possible way to protect residents from losing access to food benefits. They are currently consulting with federal and state partners, as well as other states facing similar challenges, to find a solution that prevents widespread food insecurity while addressing the USDA’s demands.
While the department did not specify what prompted the USDA to issue the memo, officials suspect it may be connected to ongoing federal budget disputes that have affected funding for several social programs. DCYF said it remains committed to transparency and will keep Minnesotans informed as it works through the issue.
Advocates for low-income families have voiced support for the state’s stance, saying that forcing Minnesota to claw back benefits would be cruel and destabilizing for families already struggling to afford food. Many have urged the federal government to allow states more flexibility during periods of financial uncertainty, particularly when delays in federal funding could threaten essential programs like SNAP.
For now, the DCYF says it is carefully reviewing the USDA directive and evaluating all available options. The department pledged to continue working with other agencies, lawmakers, and community partners to ensure that no Minnesotan goes hungry because of bureaucratic decisions made in Washington.
