Minnesota food banks, food shelves and food rescue organizations serving residents in Hennepin County will be eligible to receive up to $2 million from Hennepin County to support food security efforts through the end of 2025. 

The November 6 action by the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners gives approval to negotiate contract amendments and issue purchase orders.  

Funding to partially fill gaps during federal government shutdown 

On November 1, the federally funded Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) monthly food benefits stopped because of the federal government shutdown. In Hennepin County, 110,000 recipients receive an average of $180 in SNAP benefits a month. That translates to approximately $20 million of federal disbursements per month. The county is monitoring litigation concerning SNAP benefits. 

Minnesota food banks, food shelves and meal programs are preparing for unprecedented demand for food because of the interruption in benefits and partial payments. They will be unprepared to meet the need with current resources. The board resolution positions the county to quickly fund food shelves and meal programs, allowing organizations to purchase high demand, culturally relevant and familiar foods for residents they serve.   

“The interruption is happening at a time when every Minnesotan’s grocery budget is stretched thin. The pause in benefits for Minnesota households is not a consequence of any local policy decision, but its impact will reverberate in grocery stores and on kitchen tables across the county,” said Dr. Irene Fernando, board chair and District 2 commissioner. “The 110,000 Hennepin County residents who rely on SNAP benefits represent 25% of the state’s total participants. I want to emphasize: That means the other 75% of Minnesotans who rely on SNAP are spread across the state.” 

Prior to the November 6 resolution, the county had already committed $4 million in food security efforts to 35 food banks, food shelves, and meal programs.  

Other assistance available 

Of the 110,000 people receiving SNAP benefits in Hennepin County, an estimated 10,600 are children who could be eligible for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, often referred to as WIC. 

WIC is a nutrition and breastfeeding program that serves pregnant people, new mothers, babies and children ages 0-5, regardless of citizenship. Families must meet income requirements. 

WIC remains open and staff continue to process applications and meet with program participants; those who may qualify but do not currently receive benefits should apply online. Anyone participating in WIC should continue shopping with their benefits. 

WIC: https://www.hennepin.us/residents/health-medical/wic-women-infants-children  

SNAP remains open and staff continue to support residents applying for and receiving SNAP benefits, by processing applications and renewing benefits, with the plan to hit the ground running when we are able to start delivering benefits to residents again.  

Food assistance: https://www.hennepin.us/residents/human-services/food-assistance  

Ways to help  

Food banks, food shelves, food rescue organizations and meal providers are looking for help. Donate cash or food, or volunteer. Contact your local organization to learn more.