Ongoing Federal Shutdown Could Disrupt November SNAP Benefits; Local Veteran Services Remain Unaffected

Potential Federal Shutdown Could Disrupt November SNAP Benefits; Local Veteran Services Remain Unaffected

ANOKA COUNTY, Minn. — October 20, 2025 — Anoka County residents who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) may face delays or disruptions to their November benefits if the ongoing federal government shutdown continues.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (USDA-FNS) has notified state and local agencies that there may be insufficient federal funds to issue November SNAP benefits if the budget impasse is not resolved soon. SNAP, which provides food assistance to more than 41 million people nationwide, is entirely federally funded and relies on Congress to approve appropriations for each new fiscal year.

Minnesota’s Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) and county economic assistance offices — including Anoka County — are continuing to process new applications and maintain existing cases to ensure benefits can be distributed as soon as federal funding resumes. However, state officials have cautioned that if the shutdown persists, November SNAP payments may not be loaded onto EBT cards, potentially forcing more families to turn to local food shelves and nonprofit aid organizations for temporary support.

“Current recipients who received their October benefits are still able to use those funds as usual,” an Anoka County statement noted. “But the ability to issue November benefits remains uncertain without congressional action.”

While the shutdown raises concerns for SNAP recipients, county-funded services remain fully operational. The Anoka County Veteran Services Office (VSO) is unaffected by the federal government closure because it is financed through county resources rather than federal appropriations.

The VSO continues to provide assistance to veterans, their dependents, and survivors in obtaining benefits through county, state, and federal programs. This includes help with claims, appeals, and access to education and housing benefits. Despite the shutdown, most core federal Veterans Affairs (VA) operations — such as medical centers, disability payments, and the Veterans Crisis Line — remain funded through advance appropriations enacted in prior budgets.

Local officials say the county’s veteran services office remains a reliable point of contact and stability for area veterans during the federal budget uncertainty.

Residents seeking updates on SNAP benefits are encouraged to visit the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families website or contact Anoka County Economic Assistance. Veterans and their families can reach Anoka County Veteran Services at (763) 324-4500 or visit the office at 2100 3rd Avenue, Suite 216, Anoka.

MinneapoliMedia