Hennepin, metro cities boost food aid amid SNAP delays
Hennepin County approved $2 million for food shelves and rescue groups Thursday, while Ramsey County reaffirmed nearly $500,000 (including $70,000 for infant formula) and Minneapolis ($150,000), Bloomington ($250,000), Golden Valley ($25,000), Woodbury ($10,000) and Oakdale ($10,000) also committed funds as SNAP benefits were delayed by federal reversals. Minnesota’s DCYF began issuing full November benefits Friday, but USDA told states Saturday those payments were unauthorized after a Supreme Court stay, driving higher demand at metro food banks like Open Cupboard.
Local Government
Health
📌 Key Facts
- Hennepin County allocation: $2,000,000 to food banks/shelves/rescue orgs
- Ramsey County allocation: nearly $500,000, including $70,000 for infant formula
- City funding: Minneapolis $150,000; Bloomington $250,000; Golden Valley $25,000 to PRISM; Woodbury and Oakdale $10,000 each to Open Cupboard
- State-federal timeline: DCYF issued full November SNAP benefits Friday; USDA said Saturday payments were unauthorized after Supreme Court stay
- Scale of need: ~440,000 Minnesotans on SNAP; Open Cupboard reports 10–15% daily increase and 1,300 first-time users since Oct. 20
📚 Contextual Background
- In Bloomington, about 6,000 residents depend on SNAP or the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP), and about 1,700 residents rely on the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) nutrition program.