Half a million families in Minnesota are at risk of losing food assistance next month.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has issued notices that due to the ongoing government shutdown, SNAP benefits for November may not be issued. If that happens, over 40 million Americans could go without the food support they rely on. Here in Minnesota, that would mean nearly 500,000 people losing access to more than $70 million in grocery benefits, dollars that not only feed families but also support our local grocers, farmers and communities. 

What's Happening:

• The USDA has said that funding for SNAP will run out in November if the shutdown continues.
• SNAP law requires the Secretary of Agriculture to ensure benefits are issued, even during a funding lapse. 
• $5 billion remains in a SNAP contingency fund, which must be used now to help millions of families in the U.S put food on the table. 

Without immediate action, states cannot process November benefits - leaving families in limbo and increasing pressure on already overextended food shelves in our state. Join us in calling on Congress to act immediately, and urge the USDA to release SNAP contingency funds now, and direct states to issue November benefits.

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