Government Shutdown

Uncertainty around SNAP benefits has brought a lot of attention to food insecurity. Nonprofits have to figure out how to meet growing needs, now and into the future.

As SNAP benefits dry up during the government shutdown, hunger-fighting experts offer advice to maximize the generosity of community members.

The coalition argues that the ag department is illegally choosing not to use a SNAP-specific contingency fund established by Congress.

Plus: 13 school districts in Northern Minnesota are going to voters for financial support on Nov. 4, 2025; and scores of Northland athletes will compete at the state cross country tournament this weekend.

The 440,000 Minnesotans who typically rely on SNAP for food are likely to seek help from food shelves instead. Most SNAP recipients are children, seniors and people with disabilities.

Hundreds of thousands of Minnesotans are about to lose their food and heating assistance, and it’s unclear how much the state can help backfill services.

Plus: the DNR is asking for the return of $2.7 million it mistakenly sent to local governments on the Iron Range.

The USDA, which oversees the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, has given notice to states that funding will run out to pay November's benefits if the federal shutdown continues.

The government shutdown is increasingly being felt by workers far removed from Washington, D.C., with layoff scenarios looming over certain state workers in Minnesota.

Food benefits through SNAP and WIC look to be funded through the month of October, but money could run out if the shutdown extends into November, Ahna Minge said.