Legislative Newsletter: Information on SNAP and Community Resources

Dear Neighbors,  

Starting November 1, Minnesotans will lose access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) benefits due to the Republican-led government shutdown. SNAP supports over 440,000 Minnesotans—including children, working families, seniors, and people with disabilities—to get essential food, while also boosting the state's economy. Every $1 in SNAP benefits generates $1.50 in local economic activity, making it vital for both families and Minnesota's strength.  

However, cuts from Congressional Republicans and Trump threatens this security by cutting over $120 billion from SNAP over 10 years, putting these vulnerable groups at risk of hunger and poor health outcomes. I was proud to join my DFL colleagues in sending a letter addressing President Trump and Secretary Brook Rollins' unconscionable cut to SNAP. The USDA has told our counties that there aren't sufficient funds for SNAP's November payments. This is NOT true. The USDA has at least $5 billion in contingency funds that the Administration can and should release to provide even partial benefits to eligible households for November. Today, two federal judges have ruled that the Trump administration must continue to fund the SNAP food aid program using contingency funds during the government shutdown. 

Withholding this funding is a deliberate attack on Americans and is leaving families hungry and without resources. This is not 'politics as usual' this is just cruel.  

Community in Action 

Across Minnesota, communities are linking arms and stepping up to help our neighbors facing food insecurity. In our local community, with food banks preparing to see a record number of families over the coming weeks, Hy-Vee will be providing multiple community support options at all Hy-Vee store locations.  

From Nov. 3-7, every Hy-Vee store with hot food service will provide a free kids meal to those ages 12 and under from 4-7 p.m. The same meal will be available to everyone else for $3 and will be offered for dine in or to go.  

To follow is the menu that will be offered at each participating location: 

 • Monday, Nov. 3: Baked Potato with Pulled Pork  

• Tuesday, Nov. 4: Spaghetti with Meat Sauce, Salad and Garlic Bread 

• Wednesday, Nov. 5: Chicken and Noodles with Mashed Potatoes  

• Thursday, Nov. 6: Chili and a Cinnamon Roll  

• Friday, Nov. 7: Sesame or Orange Chicken Rice Bowl  

• In locations without HyChi, the meal with be Two Chicken Tenders, Mashed Potatoes and Corn  

During the coming weeks, Hy-Vee will also be sharing on its social media channels recipes that families can make for $3 or less a serving. These meals will include products featured in Hy-Vee's weekly ads. Customers who wish to help their local food pantries can do so at Hy-Vee.  

Starting today, Hy-Vee stores will offer $5 and $10 food bank donation bundles for customers to purchase. The bags will include items most needed by food pantries, including canned vegetables, pasta sauce, canned proteins and cereal. Stores will deliver any purchased bags to their local food pantry daily to help manage the projected increase in need. 

Food Shelves/Banks 

Our local food shelves like Second Harvest Heartland and the Food Group, are on the front lines, ensuring that no neighbor goes hungry. They provide essential support—a warm meal, nutritious groceries, and a sense of stability—to families, seniors, and individuals facing food insecurity. But they can't do it alone!