Residents can triple their SNAP/EBT at farmers markets with Market Bucks.

How it works: 

1. Visit the information booth at the farmers market 
2. Swipe your EBT card for the amount you want to spend. Market Bucks will match your purchase dollar for dollar up to $10. You can get up to $10 in Market Bucks and $10 in Produce Market Bucks each visit. 
3. Spend your Market Bucks with eligible vendors at the market. 

Find your local market by using this interactive map: 2024 Summer Market Bucks Locations - Google My Maps or call Minnesota Food HelpLine at 888-711-1151. 

What is SNAP? 

SNAP stands for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as food stamps. SNAP helps eligible households purchase foods at grocery stories, convenience stores and markers markets. 

SNAP eligibility is based on household size and income. You can check to see if you likely are eligible for SNAP online by calling the Minnesota Food HelpLine at 888-711-1151 or at hungersolutions.org/snap-screener. 

Apply for SNAP online MNBenefits.gov. Need a paper application? Call 888-711-1151. 

Hennepin Health is a health plan owned by Hennepin County that provides coverage to county residents who are eligible for Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare. Each year Hennepin Health funds innovative initiatives that help reduce disparities and increase health equity. Check out this article published by Sahan Journal that highlights one of their reinvestment initiatives, “Culturally responsive model of psychiatric care for Somali, East African, and other Muslim patients,” that has seen impressive outcomes for patients and has been an important step in supporting Muslim communities in Hennepin County.  

Learn more about Hennepin Health reinvestment initiatives.

The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office’s annual school supply donation drive has begun. We’re collecting school supplies to distribute to high-needs families to help them start the school year off right. Look for these donation boxes to support students in our community! Donate school supplies now through Friday, August 2nd at the following locations. 

• V3 Sports (701 Plymouth Ave N, Minneapolis) 

• Minneapolis City Hall lobby near room 6 (350 South 5th Street, Minneapolis) 

• Water Patrol Headquarters (4141 Shoreline Drive, Spring Park, MN 55384) 

• Enforcement Services Division (9401 83rd Avenue North, Brooklyn Park) 

• Government Center near A Side weapons screening (300 South 6th Street, Minneapolis) 

• Public Safety Facility (401 South 4th Avenue, Minneapolis) 

You can also shop our Amazon wish list 'Back to School Jamboree 2024' at this link.

There is just over a month left to enjoy Go Outside with Hennepin County events at the Government Center and Target Field Station. Free activities include live music, giveaways, movies, fitness classes and more.   

Learn more and see a full schedule of events on the Go Outside website.  

At the Government Center South Plaza    

Go Outside summer sessions: Select Wednesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.    

Take your lunch break outside this summer. Listen to live music, enjoy treat giveaways and explore other fun activities!   

Pianos on Parade: Every Thursday from noon to 1 p.m.   

Enjoy piano performances by local artists and try your hand at playing the piano.  More performances available in other locations.   

At Target Field Station    

Outdoor movie nights: Select Thursdays at 7 p.m.    

Bring along a lawn chair or blanket to enjoy free family-friendly movies on the big screen at Target Field Station.   

Outdoor fitness classes: Select Tuesdays from 6 to 7 p.m.  

Get active with free outdoor workout and yoga classes led by local fitness organizations.  

Most Epic Family Day    

This annual event has fun for all ages! Visit Target Field Station to enjoy games, crafts, giveaways and more.   

August 18 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.