The Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) has temporarily stopped counties and Tribal Nations from approving new Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) applications because of the ongoing federal government shutdown. The agency said the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) informed them that federal funds to support SNAP might not be available in November unless Congress takes action soon. This means that new applications for food assistance cannot be approved until the funding is restored.
Minnesota officials emphasized that this pause only affects new applicants. Residents who were already receiving SNAP benefits before October 16 can continue to use their benefits as usual. However, they are urged to keep their contact information updated with their local county or Tribal Nation offices to ensure they receive important updates about their cases, especially if the situation changes in the coming weeks.
DCYF explained that counties and Tribal Nations can still review new applications and help people complete them, but they are not allowed to approve or issue new benefits until the federal funding resumes. This limitation is expected to cause significant delays for individuals and families who rely on SNAP to meet their basic food needs.
The uncertainty has raised concerns about food insecurity across Minnesota. DCYF warned that if the shutdown continues and federal support is not renewed soon, many households could struggle to afford groceries, and the demand for emergency food services could sharply increase. Food shelves, community meal programs, and local charities are likely to experience additional strain as more families turn to them for help.
Advocates for hunger relief have already started preparing for the potential increase in demand. Hunger Solutions, a Minnesota-based nonprofit organization, provides a “Find Help” map that connects people with over 300 food shelves and meal programs across the state. Minnesotans in need of immediate food assistance can also contact the Minnesota Food HelpLine by calling 1-888-711-1151. The hotline connects callers to local food resources and provides guidance on how to access assistance during this uncertain period.
The SNAP program, funded and administered by the federal government, plays a crucial role in helping low-income individuals and families afford nutritious food. Any interruption in its funding has a direct impact on the wellbeing of thousands of Minnesotans. As the shutdown continues, state officials and advocates are urging Congress to act quickly to restore funding so that essential benefits can resume and families can continue to access the food they need.
In the meantime, DCYF is working closely with local partners to monitor the situation and provide updates to affected residents. The agency also encourages communities to support local food shelves and donation drives to help ease the burden on struggling families.
While Minnesota waits for a resolution at the federal level, officials stress the importance of staying informed and planning ahead. Residents who depend on SNAP are encouraged to check their balance regularly, stay in touch with their local offices, and seek additional community resources if needed.
If federal funding is restored soon, SNAP operations will resume as normal, and new applications will once again be approved. Until then, both the state and local organizations are doing their best to make sure that no Minnesotan goes hungry during this difficult time.
