Half SNAP Benefits Coming For November As Shutdown Drags On: What Minnesotans Should Know

ST. PAUL, MN — Minnesota officials say they expect to provide at least partial Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) food benefits this month after a pair of federal court rulings forced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to release emergency funds during the ongoing federal shutdown.

On Monday, the USDA filed documents in federal court confirming that it will use its $5 billion contingency fund to cover roughly half of November’s SNAP benefits nationwide.

The agency declined to tap additional funds that could have covered full payments, saying doing so would "deplete other vital programs."

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, who co-led one of the lawsuits that forced the release, said the decision falls short of what families need.

“Donald Trump is still using hunger as a political weapon against the American people,” Ellison said in a statement. “While I am glad to see some SNAP benefits resuming as a result of our lawsuit, it is not close to enough.”

Ellison and 20 other attorneys general sued the USDA after it initially announced plans to halt all SNAP payments during the shutdown. Two courts, one in Massachusetts and another in Rhode Island, ordered the agency to use available contingency funds to continue benefits, at least in part.

What This Means For Minnesota Families

The Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) said it expects to issue partial SNAP and MFIP food benefits for November once federal funding is distributed.

• SNAP: Partial benefits will be issued as soon as possible.
• MFIP: Cash assistance will continue as normal, but food assistance is delayed until further federal action.
• Head Start: State funds may be used temporarily to keep programs open amid federal delays.

An average of 440,000 Minnesotans rely on SNAP each month, including 180,000 children, 67,000 seniors, and 52,000 people with disabilities, according to Ellison’s office.

Protect Yourself From Scams

State officials warned of increased EBT scams targeting recipients during the shutdown:

• Never share your EBT card number or PIN.
• Ignore calls or texts promising to “speed up” your benefits for a fee.
• Report lost or stolen cards by calling ebtEDGE at 888-997-2227.

Where To Find Help

Minnesota has more than 300 food shelves and meal programs open statewide.

• Find a local food shelf: Hunger Solutions’ map or call 1-888-711-1151.
• For shutdown-related questions: Call 651-431-4608.
• For case-specific questions: Contact your county or Tribal human services office.

Officials also encouraged those who are able to donate money to local food shelves, noting that monetary gifts allow programs to buy food in bulk and stretch resources further.