Minnesota Suspends New SNAP Application Approvals Amid Federal Government Shutdown

Minnesota Suspends New SNAP Application Approvals Amid Federal Government Shutdown

ST. PAUL, MN — The State of Minnesota has suspended the approval of new and pending applications for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), effective 10:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 15, amid the ongoing federal government shutdown and the resulting suspension of federal funding for the program.

The Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) directed counties to halt approval of new SNAP applications following notice from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that, without renewed federal support, there are insufficient funds to issue November benefits. The pause directly affects more than 440,000 Minnesotans who rely on SNAP for food assistance.

While new approvals are suspended, county and Tribal Nation staff have been instructed to continue accepting applications, gathering required documentation, and conducting interviews. This preparatory work is intended to allow swift processing once federal funding is restored.

DCYF Commissioner Tikki Brown stressed the potential impact on families, saying, “An interruption in receiving food assistance can be very disruptive—even dire—for the lives of Minnesota's families.” Officials have also warned that if the shutdown persists, November SNAP benefits may not be issued, with state leaders preparing to notify recipients of possible delays.

Local food assistance organizations are bracing for increased demand. The executive director of Groveland Emergency Food Shelf in Minneapolis noted a surge in need and stressed that food shelves alone cannot fully compensate for the loss of federal SNAP support. Similarly, Keystone Community Services in St. Paul is taking measures to source additional food and adjust staffing in anticipation of rising demand.

Senators Respond to SNAP Application Suspension

Minnesota Senate leaders have voiced concern over the suspension of SNAP approvals.

“We are at the start of the third week of the Republicans’ government shutdown, and already it’s starting to have real effects on the lives of Minnesotans in need,” said Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy (DFL-St. Paul). “Pausing even a single day of applications for SNAP benefits could delay approval for hungry kids and families who don’t have a day to spare. This situation is the completely unnecessary consequence of Donald Trump and Republicans, who cut rich people’s taxes, and have now shut down the government instead of passing tax credits for affordable health insurance. The 450,000 Minnesotans who receive SNAP benefits get about $5 a day, which clearly isn’t enough to get Trump’s attention or sympathy. Republicans need to get back to the negotiating table, put Americans first and take action to keep costs down for working families.”

Senate Health and Human Services Committee Chair Melissa Wiklund (DFL-Bloomington) added, “Nutritional programs like SNAP uplift our low-income working-class neighbors and ensure that they can put food on the table, as well as supporting local businesses through their use of benefits. Access to nutritious food is an essential element of health for children and families, and the Senate DFL has prioritized that issue, even when faced with difficult budget decisions. We know that as a result of actions by Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress, 45,000 Minnesotans could lose SNAP benefits. Those future impacts have become an immediate crisis, and our state funding is not enough to fill in the gaps. We must reopen these critical programs to ensure every Minnesotan receives the nutrition they need and deserve.”

The federal shutdown, which began on October 1, has now entered its third week. DCYF and local counties have committed to providing updates as the situation evolves and are urging federal lawmakers to reach a resolution to restore funding and prevent further disruption to essential services.

Residents seeking assistance or information about SNAP applications can contact their local county or tribal office or visit the DCYF website.

MinneapoliMedia