Governor Tim Walz announced $4 million in new funding for Minnesota food shelves during a stop at an Eagan food shelf on Monday, October 27. The Governor’s office said the funds will provide relief to around 440,000 Minnesotans faced with the loss of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) grocery benefits beginning November 1.
During the ongoing federal government shutdown, the United States Department of Agriculture said it will not cover food assistance costs.
“Food shelves provide a refuge for hundreds of thousands of Minnesotans. Yet the Trump Administration has chosen to cut off these critical benefits that keep families from going hungry,” said Gov. Walz. “But if Washington won’t lead, Minnesota will. This funding will serve as a lifeline to help Minnesotans weather the storm.”
The Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) said they expect 300 food shelves and Tribal Nations across the state will receive emergency food support funds. They further state that there were nearly 9 million visits to food shelves in 2024.
“This emergency support is necessary but cannot fill the gap left behind by the loss of SNAP and MFIP benefits,” said DCYF Commissioner Tikki Brown. “When food support disappears, the consequences for Minnesota are immediate and far-reaching. It impacts public health, the State and local economies, education, and workforce stability.”
More information on DCYF programs impacted by the federal government shutdown can be found here.