Minnesota Increases SNAP Eligibility Threshold

(KNSI) — As more Minnesotans grapple with rising grocery costs, some might be eligible now for federal assistance in buying food.

Lawmakers passed legislation in the last session raising the gross income threshold for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The threshold is now 200% of the federal poverty level or just over $46,000 yearly for a family of three. Peter Woitock of the group Hunger Solutions says some households missed SNAP eligibility by less than $100. However, inflation still makes it hard to afford food.

“We’re starting to see a ‘hunger cliff,’ and many people experiencing that. And so, this is one partial solution that can help out some of those families that would then be eligible.”

He says it also comes as several temporary COVID-relief programs to address food insecurity start to wind down.

Food shelf manager Shari Koll says that helps a lot because, thanks to inflation, some households that may have seen a bump in pay can still find it hard to afford food.

“What we’re finding is that there are more people starting to come, and when they come, they tell us how expensive things are in the grocery store.”

She says they’ve gone from serving around 20 clients per month to 60.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture says grocery costs rose nearly 11% from April last year to this year. According to the intergovernmental organization Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, consumer prices rose 9.2% year over year, compared to 8.8% in March 2022.

Those newly eligible for SNAP benefits can apply through the Minnesota Department of Human Services by clicking here.

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MNC reporter Mike Moen contributed to this story.

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