How to help Minnesotans set to lose SNAP benefits — and how to get help
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As the second month of the federal government shutdown looms, advocates say thousands of Minnesotans could go hungry starting Nov. 1.
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.
On Monday, 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.”
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How to help those in need
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:
360 Communities
360 Communities 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.
Dorothy Day Food Pantry
In Moorhead, Dorothy Day Food Pantry accepts donations and is currently in need of meat, pasta, cereal, pasta sauce and canned fruits and vegetables.
St. Peter Area Food Shelf
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 of their most needed items 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.
Chum2GO
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 can be found here.
Fergus Falls Community Food Shelf
The Fergus Falls food shelf serves Otter Tail County. 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 be found here.
How to get food aid
The Buzz Coffee and Cafe
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.
Shakopee Bowl
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.
Cabina Coffee
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.
Duluth’s Best Bread
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."
Egg Roll Queen
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 the food truck’s Facebook page. Those seeking to volunteer to prepare meals are also welcome to reach out.
Heights Pizza Man
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.
Hope Breakfast Bar
In St. Paul, families can get pancakes to take home "no questions asked" starting Nov. 3, between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m.
Irishman's Shanty
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.
Lock & Dam Eatery
In Hastings, every Tuesday in November, the restaurant will offer marinara or alfredo dishes for free all day to SNAP recipients.
The Mac Shack
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
In St. Paul, this food shelf is open by afternoon appointment only.
Nourish Food Shelf
In St. Paul, this 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.
Today’s Harvest
This food shelf 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)
In St. Paul, open Mondays from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
