Two federal judges ruled last week that the Trump administration must use contingency funds to continue some SNAP payments during the shutdown. However, it remains unclear when those funds will be fully distributed to families.
The Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families said it is monitoring the situation and communicating with counties and tribal nations that administer SNAP across the state. On November 4, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued new guidance outlining how to calculate partial benefits using those contingency funds, a process expected to cause further delays.
Minneapolis provides emergency funding
In response, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey announced on Monday that the city will allocate $150,000 to six local nonprofit partners that provide free and healthy food to residents. The emergency funding, drawn from the Minneapolis Health Department’s Homegrown Minneapolis program, will be distributed this week to help food shelves replenish their supplies as demand surges.
“Our community won’t let families go hungry while Washington gridlocks,” Frey said. “This funding helps ensure our neighbors can still put food on the table.”
How to help
City officials encourage residents to donate money or volunteer at local food shelves. Cash donations stretch further, allowing food shelves to buy items at wholesale prices and tailor purchases to cultural and nutritional needs. Donations also support access to fresh foods like produce, eggs, meat, and milk.
To find a nearby food shelf or meal program, visit the Hunger Solutions map or call 1-888-711-1151 for assistance. More statewide information is available through the Minnesota Department of Human Services.
Community engagement opportunities
Residents interested in long-term food system work can join the Homegrown Minneapolis Food Council, which promotes environmentally sustainable and equitable food policies.
- Next meeting: Wednesday, Nov. 12, 5:30 p.m. at Powderhorn Park, 3400 15th Ave. S.
- Theme: Celebrate fall harvests with pumpkin and apple dishes.
- Agenda: A consensus workshop on defining success for the Food Council.
Upcoming action team meetings
- Wasted Food Action Team — Dec. 8, 6:30–8 p.m., Eat Street Crossing, 2819 Nicollet Ave.
- Urban Agriculture Action Team — Nov. 18, 6:30 p.m., virtual meeting.
- Food Skills Action Team — TBD, virtual meeting.
Local events and resources
- Zoom Cook Along with Minneapolis Edible Boulevards — Nov. 8, 11 a.m.–12 p.m.
- Biochar Demonstration with Great River Greening — Nov. 14, 10 a.m.–12 p.m., Dream of Wild Health Farm, Hugo.
- Soil Health Bus Tour — Nov. 14, 9 a.m.–3:30 p.m., near Northfield.
- Fall Dinner Connecting & Cultivating Community — Nov. 20, 5–7 p.m., Phillips Park.
Winter farmers markets also return this month at four indoor locations across the city, offering local produce, meats, baked goods, and artisan items through April. Find a farmers’ market near you.
The city also unveiled the Minneapolis Climate Equity Tracker, an online platform designed to measure progress toward achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
