NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 15, 2025
CONTACT: Dusty Letica, Deputy Director
St. Louis County Public Health & Human Services
218-726-2021 or leticad@stlouiscountymn.gov
St. Louis County provides updates as Federal government shutdown temporarily impacts SNAP benefit approvals
St. Louis County employees are working to approve any new or pending Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) applications Wednesday before impacts from the federal government shutdown put a freeze on that process starting Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025.
SNAP provides food assistance for individuals and families with low income, including for more than 10,000 individuals and families in St. Louis County.
According to The Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF), this change follows a notice from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that if the government shutdown continues into November, there won’t be enough funds to pay November SNAP benefits.
That means, like other counties and tribal nations across Minnesota, St. Louis County will not be able to approve new or pending applications for SNAP benefits starting Thursday, Oct. 16, and until further notice.
Individuals and families can still apply for SNAP benefits, and counties and Tribal Nations can continue to review those applications and work with applicants during this freeze, but the applications will not be able to be approved during the freeze.
Any St. Louis County resident receiving SNAP benefits before Thursday, Oct. 16 can continue to use those benefits as usual for now.
Anyone whose SNAP application is approved by Wednesday, Oct. 15 will be issued October SNAP benefits.
People who receive SNAP benefits are reminded to keep their contact information up to date with their county or Tribal Nation so they can receive messages about their case. Additional information regarding impacts of the Federal shutdown can be found on the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families' website: dcyf.mn.gov/federal-shutdown
St. Louis County Public Health and Human Services also shared the following updates on assistance programs they administer, as well as suggested food resources for people affected by these latest events.
MN Family Investment Program (MFIP)
The MN Family Investment Program (MFIP) provides cash and food benefits for people with dependent children who have low income and limited assets.
According to DCYF, St. Louis County can continue to approve October MFIP benefits through Wednesday, Oct. 29. However, if the shutdown continues, the county will not be able to approve anything after that date and November benefits are not expected to go out.
Women. Infants & Children (WIC)
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants & Children (WIC) is a nutrition and breastfeeding program that helps eligible pregnant women, new mothers, babies and young children. WIC provides nutrition education and counseling, nutritious foods, and referrals to health and other social services.
As of Wednesday, Oct. 15, WIC services are still operating in Minnesota. WIC recipients should keep their appointments and continue shopping with their eWIC card and using their benefits.
For additional information or guidance, WIC participants can visit their local WIC clinic or State WIC program’s website or the WIC shopper app.
Resources available to help St. Louis County residents access food:
SOUTHERN ST. LOUIS COUNTY
Duluth: Second Harvest Northland
When: Tuesdays and Fridays
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where: 2302 Commonwealth Avenue, Duluth
**people who are income eligible or in crisis are able to access this food shelf program one day per week (either Tuesday or Friday)
Duluth: Ruby’s Pantry Pop-Up Food Shelf
When: Thursday, Oct. 16
Registration begins: 4:30 p.m.
Food bundles available: 4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Where: First United Methodist Church (Coppertop)
230 E. Skyline Pkwy., Duluth
**happens third Thursday of every month
Hermantown: Ruby’s Pantry Pop-Up Food Shelf
When: Tuesday, Nov. 11
Registration begins: 4:30 p.m.
Food bundles available: 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Where: Peace in Christ Lutheran Church
5007 Maple Grove Rd., Hermantown
**happens second Tuesday of every month
NORTHERN ST. LOUIS COUNTY
Eveleth: Ruby’s Pantry Pop-Up Food Shelf
When: Wednesday, Oct. 22
Registration begins: 3 p.m.
Food bundles available: 3 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Where: Clinton Town Hall
8907 Minnesota Hwy. 37, Iron
**happens fourth Wednesday of every month
Virginia: Salvation Army Prepared Meals
When: Mondays- Fridays
1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: Salvation Army Virginia
507 12th Ave. W., Virginia
**free dinner program, dine-in
Hibbing: Salvation Army Prepared Meals and Food Shelf
Prepared Meals:
When: Monday-Friday
4 p.m.-4:45 p.m.
Where: Hibbing Salvation Army
107 W. Howard St., Hibbing
**free dinner program
Food Shelf:
When: Mondays, Wednesdays: 9am-2:30pm
Friday: 9am-11:30am
**by appointment only
Where: Hibbing Salvation Army
107 W. Howard St., Hibbing
###
|
