The federal government shutdown will soon begin to impact enrollees of nutrition assistance and other programs.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture provided notice to states that if the federal government shutdown continues into November, there will not be enough funds to pay November benefits for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
No new applications for SNAP benefits will be approved by the state after 10 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15, until funding resumes. Counties and tribal nations can continue to review applications and work with applicants, but they can’t approve households for new benefits.
Additionally, the Minnesota Family Investment Program will no longer approve applications after Oct. 29. MFIP provides cash and food benefits for people with dependent children who have low income and limited assets.
"The loss of federal funding for benefits will cause more strain on our local food shelves and will create more food insecurity for Minnesotans," stated the Department of Children, Youth and Families on its webpage.
Counties like Crow Wing and Carlton are listing food resources for those who may be impacted by these changes.
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Plus: Demolition work is underway to make room for new construction in Bemidji's blighted rail corridor; Anderson Brothers Construction in Brainerd can once again bid on government contracts; and Essentia Health St. Joseph's will host its annual Tree of Life memorial service on Dec. 16. -
Megan Buffington/KAXECounties, cities and school districts host these meetings at the end of each year, after proposed property tax statements are sent out with tax estimates based on the proposed levies. -
Contributed/Lake of the Woods County Sheriff's OfficeThe man reported being surrounded by 400 feet of open water while standing on thin ice with a portable fish house. -
Officials with the state's Environmental Quality Board heard more on how data center development could impact the state's water resources. -
Contributed/St. Louis CountyRyan Moller allegedly shot his father in the head in Fayal Township after an argument. He was charged with attempted murder and assault Dec. 5, 2025. -
Plus: A Bemidji forum explores the affordability of child care, health care and more for families, along with potential legislative fixes.
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Larissa Donovan/KAXEChild care providers, local officials and families discussed the high costs of child care and the low wages of child care workers during the Bemidji Affordability Forum on Dec. 3, 2025. -
Megan Buffington/KAXEThe North Central Research and Outreach Center helped test our state fruit for winter hardiness, a step in its eventual release as the University of Minnesota's first apple variety. -
Contributed/Kate Batten via WTIPFinancial records showed Bryce James Campbell’s companies near-due and past-due business debts amounted to more than $14 million when the fire destroyed the beloved North Shore resort. -
Contributed/Adobe Stock via Minnesota News ConnectionMinnesota's program distributes funding to more than 100,000 income-eligible households. About 40% had a person over age 60 or with a disability, and 1 in 6 had children younger than 6.
