 Friday, July 1, is the last day to nominate an organization for this year's Commissioner's Circle of Excellence Awards. The awards recognize excellence and innovative work among human services providers, counties, tribes, advocacy groups and other organizations that partner with DHS to serve Minnesotans.
More details and the nomination form is online at mn.gov/dhs/commissioners-awards/.
While individuals make marked differences in the lives of Minnesotans, these awards celebrate organizations.
While the COVID-19 pandemic continues to cause food insecurity, especially for children who aren’t getting meals at school or child care centers, families with children age 5 and younger will soon get a little more help putting healthy meals on their tables.
In late June, DHS began issuing Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) food benefits of $30 per month per child to about 90,000 children for every month they were eligible for P-EBT from September to December 2021. The department will issue a second P-EBT for 5 and Younger benefit payment – with a dollar amount yet to be determined – later this summer, for each month children were eligible January to May 2022.
To qualify, children must have been 5 and younger on Sept. 1, 2021, and enrolled in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP), or Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) in any month from September 2021 to May 2022.
“We all know the strong link between nutritious eating and overall well-being, and between nutrition and academic achievement,” said Commissioner Jodi Harpstead. “Providing financial support to families facing food insecurities is an investment in our children, our economy and our future.”
More information is in a department news release.
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A new round of state grants recognizes the grandparents, relatives, friends and neighbors who care for children in diverse communities across Minnesota, often without the resources available to licensed child care providers.
A total of $2.9 million for community organizations will provide training and support for family, friends and neighbors who provide child care for the youngest Minnesotans. DHS will distribute grants to organizations serving unlicensed family, friend and neighbor child care providers.
Family, friend and neighbor care is common in diverse cultural and ethnic communities and is often the only child care option for parents who work evenings, weekends, overnight shifts and other nonstandard hours. It may be full- or part-time, paid or unpaid, and provided in the child’s home or the caregiver’s home. Providers typically care for one or two children.
“These grants will support family, friends and neighbors who step up to provide child care, often without receiving the same benefits as licensed child care providers,” said Commissioner Jodi Harpstead. “Providing more resources for this essential child care option will strengthen the workforce behind the workforce.”
More information and a list of grantees is in a department news release.
 Frontline workers in a variety of sectors can apply for Frontline Worker Pay. The application deadline is July 22. Applications can be submitted at frontlinepay.mn.gov.
Eligibility is based on both work requirements and job sector. See frontlinepay.mn.gov for an explanation of the requirements, the most up-to-date information and helpful resources.
After verification and processing of the applications are completed, payments are anticipated in early fall.
 Posted this month on the DHS Facebook page:
We are proud to partner in support of Hope Street Youth Shelter's new home, now located in the Hiawatha neighborhood of Minneapolis. Commissioner Jodi Harpstead joined others at the opening celebration this week. The shelter, operated by Catholic Charities, provides critical services and emergency shelter to those ages 18 to 24.
For timely updates on DHS news and events, follow DHS on Twitter and Facebook.
Follow our DHS Careers Facebook page for announcements of hiring events, new job postings, internships and more.
For accessible formats of this publication, write to dhs.communications@state.mn.us, or call 651-431-2000 or use your preferred relay service.
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