Governor Announces $4 Million in Funding for Minnesota Food Shelves Amid Threat to Federal Grocery Assistance

(KNSI) — Governor Tim Walz says $4 million in new state funding is being made available immediately for Minnesota food shelves.

The aid comes as 440,000 Minnesotans are expected to lose Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) grocery benefits beginning November 1st amid the ongoing federal government shutdown. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has said it will not cover food assistance costs, even though contingency funds remain available.

“Food shelves provide a refuge for hundreds of thousands of Minnesotans. Yet the Trump Administration has chosen to cut off these critical benefits that keep families from going hungry,” said Governor Walz. “But if Washington won’t lead, Minnesota will. This funding will serve as a lifeline to help Minnesotans weather the storm.”

SNAP and MFIP benefits support residents in all 87 counties and Tribal Nations across the state. Of those who rely on these programs, 36% are children and 18% are seniors.

According to the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF), about 300 food shelves and Tribal Nations are expected to receive the emergency funding. Food shelves recorded nearly 9 million visits in 2024 – up from 3.8 million in 2021.

“This emergency support is necessary but cannot fill the gap left behind by the loss of SNAP and MFIP benefits,” said DCYF Commissioner Tikki Brown. “When food support disappears, the consequences for Minnesota are immediate and far-reaching. It impacts public health, the State and local economies, education, and workforce stability.”

DCYF said most of the funds will go toward food purchases, following the Minnesota Food Shelf Program statute, which allows grant money to be used for purchasing, transporting, and distributing food to those in need.

Anyone who has unspent funds on an EBT card can still buy approved food items, even after November 1st. Officials are asking anyone who can help out and donate to their local food shelf to please do so.

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