SNAP Benefits Halted In MN Due To Government Shutdown

ST. PAUL, MN — Nearly half a million Minnesotans will not receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits next month due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, according to a letter sent to states by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

As the shutdown prepares to enter its fourth week on Wednesday, this latest disruption could affect the nearly 42 million Americans, including 454,581 Minnesotans, who receive SNAP benefits to help pay for groceries.

The SNAP program helps low-income people buy produce, meat, dairy and other household food staples. On average, recipients receive a payment of $187 (or roughly $6 per day) on prepaid EBT cards that they can use to purchase items.

While SNAP is a federal program, states are responsible for administering benefits to recipients.

According to the USDA's letter obtained by Time magazine, SNAP benefits will be paid through October. However, if the government shutdown continues, there will be insufficient funds to pay November benefits.

The federal government shutdown, which began on Oct. 1, is now the second-longest on record with no end in sight. Some lawmakers are predicting it could become the longest, surpassing the 35 days from President Donald Trump's first term.

The Trump administration is using the current shutdown to buttress priorities it favors while seeking to dismantle those it does not. Nevertheless, Democrats are insisting that any funding bill include help for millions of Americans who will lose health insurance coverage or face dramatically higher monthly premiums if Congress does nothing.

The Congressional Budget Office also estimated that roughly 750,000 federal employees could be furloughed each day of the shutdown, with the total daily cost of their compensation estimated at roughly $400 million.

Resources for Minnesotans in food emergencies

• If you need food right away, find nearby food shelves at hungersolutions.org.
• Find more here.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.