Minnesota Halts New SNAP Approvals As Shutdown Threatens November Benefits

ST. PAUL, MN — The Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) directed counties and Tribal Nations to stop approving new Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) applications on Wednesday amid the ongoing federal government shutdown.

The agency said it was notified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that, without renewed federal funding, there will not be enough money to cover November SNAP benefits.

Minnesotans who were receiving benefits before Oct. 16 can continue to use them as usual for now.

DCYF urged recipients to keep their contact information up to date with their county or Tribal Nation to ensure they receive updates about their case.

While counties and Tribal Nations can continue to review applications and work with applicants, they cannot approve new benefits until federal funding resumes.

DCYF warned that the potential loss of federal support could place additional strain on local food shelves and increase food insecurity across the state.

Minnesotans in need can find help through more than 300 food shelves and meal programs statewide by using Hunger Solutions’ "Find Help" map or by calling the Minnesota Food HelpLine at 1-888-711-1151.