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As the second month of the federal government shutdown looms, 

Because of the shutdown, state officials say there is not enough federal funding for SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program that provides food benefits to low-income families, to offer money to Minnesota participants for the upcoming month. On top of that, local food shelves say they are already strained from increased need.

$4 million to food shelves as shutdown threatens SNAP aid

strained Minnesota food banks brace for impact of SNAP funding halt

are looking more like grocery stores, but federal cuts threaten their future

if SNAP benefits end on Nov. 1

Gov. Tim Walz announced $4 million one-time emergency funding for food shelves

. The total loss of federal funding to nutrition programs is $73 million.

“The gap that the governor is announcing, $4 million, that’s remarkably generous, but it's not enough,” said Jason Viana, executive director of The Open Door Pantry. “If the shutdown is brief, it will help us fill the gap but if the shutdown continues, it will not be enough.” 

Many large food banks like Second Harvest Heartland only accept wholesale donations but donors can give money or sign up for a food packing shift at their Brooklyn Park location. 

Food shelves often prefer monetary donations so they can purchase what they need, since they have connections with food distributors and can buy at a discount, but here are some Minnesota food shelves that accept physical donations: 

 has five food shelves in the metro that accept donations: Apple Valley, Burnsville, Farmington, Lakeville and Rosemount. Some of their most desired items are canned meat and fish, canned or dried beans, nut butters, canned fruits of all kinds, fresh fruits that don’t require refrigeration, diapers, menstrual products and baby wipes. 

They also accept volunteers and pet donations like unopened dog and cat food and care items like litter or waste bags. 

 accepts donations and is currently in need of meat, pasta, cereal, pasta sauce and canned fruits and vegetables. 

Over the summer St. Peter food shelf renovated their space to look more like a supermarket. Guests grab carts and shop the aisles just like they would in any other story. Leaders say this model helps destigmatizes the use of food shelves. 

They encourage Minnesotans to fill up an extra bag when grocery shopping to donate. Some

 are brown or wild rice, fruit juice, whole grain pasta, canned or dried fruit, shampoo, soap and deodorant. When possible, they prefer low-salt and low-sugar items.

In Duluth, Chum Food Shelf takes any and all donations. The organization primary focuses on delivery and helping those without transportation get access to food shelves. They are also currently looking for delivery drivers, more information 

. Currently they need soup, canned fruits and vegetables, pasta, cereal, hamburger helper and macaroni and cheese.

A comprehensive list of food shelves across the state can

This Burnsville cafe will host a community chili night Wednesday from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The cafe will offer chicken chili, veggie chili, cornbread, sodas, milk.  Plain waffles and eggs will be offered to children 12 and under.

Any child visiting the Shakopee restaurant will receive a free hamburger Kid’s Meal starting Saturday until SNAP Benefits are restored. Limited one Kid’s Meal per child. The child must be present for dine-in meals.

In Pine City, starting Saturday, any child under 17 who orders a grilled cheese sandwich (chips and pickle included), will not be charged. Limit one meal per child. Dine-in only.

Both locations in Duluth and Superior, Wisc.

Starting Nov. 4 until SNAP is restored, children under 12 can get one free day-old bread or pastry each day by mentioning "DBB Kids Special."

In Little Canada, On Wednesdays and Fridays from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. until SNAP is restored, the food truck will offer families and individuals a free hot meal of fried rice, pork stir fry and chicken dumplings from its kitchen. Donations to fund the meals are also being accepted through a QR code on 

 Those seeking to volunteer to prepare meals are also welcome to reach out.

In Columbia Heights, Pizza slices, salads and cheese bread will be offered to SNAP recipients. Management says they will do so as long as its budget allows.

In St. Paul, families can get pancakes to take home "no questions asked" starting Nov. 3, between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m.

In Crookston, free chicken strip meals for children beginning Saturday until SNAP benefits are restored. The restaurant asks that SNAP recipients reach out at 218-281-9912 to request the promotion. No other questions will be asked, according to the eatery’s Facebook page.

In Hastings, every Tuesday in November, the restaurant will offer marinara or alfredo dishes for free all day to SNAP recipients. 

In Red Wing, beginning Tuesday, the eatery will offer a free SNAP menu for anyone who shows their SNAP portal. Hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Hallie Q. Brown Community Center Food Shelf

 offers weekly distributions and fresh produce markets on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Sunday from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. is open for seniors and immunocompromised people only. Emergency assistance by appointment.

 has locations in both Oakdale and Maplewood. Open Monday to Friday, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Comunidades Latinas Unidas en Servicio (CLUES)

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Regina Medina

Local food shelves are already facing strains and because of the federal shutdown, and state officials say there is not enough federal funding for SNAP to offer money to Minnesota participants for November.

How to help Minnesotans set to lose SNAP benefits — and how to get help

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