close

Learn about new laws that are causing significant changes in time-limited work rules for SNAP recipients and that impact recipients and increase workload for Minnesota's counties and Tribal Nations.

close

SNAP does not shut off on its own. Learn how the USDA and federal government are limiting food access for more than 440,000 Minnesotans.

Title

Federal shutdown information

Intro

Last updated: Nov. 9, 2025

On Friday, Nov. 7, the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families issued full November SNAP benefits for approximately 440,000 Minnesotans. Those benefits were issued based on clear guidance we received earlier in the day from the USDA. Late night on Saturday, Nov. 8, we received a memo from the USDA requiring states to “immediately undo” actions to issue full SNAP benefits.  

Minnesota does not have any mechanism for taking money back from SNAP recipients. DCYF is evaluating USDA’s Saturday memo, and we’ll share any updates on this website as soon as they become available.  

All Minnesotans deserve access to food. DCYF remains committed to ensuring food access remains in place. We will continue to work with partners in our local communities and around the country to determine a path forward. 

Banner
Bag of food from the grocery store on an island in a kitchen.
Sections
If you're impacted by the federal shutdown and need food assistance, find food shelves near you.
Find food shelves near you.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP)

All households currently approved to receive Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) benefits will receive their full MFIP cash and food benefits for November. 

Head Start

Head Start families are not impacted by the federal government shutdown at this time. 

The federal government shutdown may delay federal Head Start funding for some Minnesota programs. To help programs continue serving children during this delay, DCYF is allowing programs to use their approved state Head Start funds to cover operational costs. This ensures programs can remain open and continue to provide care.

Find other help

Questions on the impact of the shutdown

For questions on the impact of the shutdown, call 651-431-4608. Once the shutdown has ended, contact your regular program representative or agency for assistance.

For case-specific questions, please contact the county or Tribal Nation where your case resides.

How to help Minnesotans   

The loss of federal funding for benefits will cause more strain on our local food shelves and will create more food insecurity for Minnesotans. If you would like to help, you could choose to donate money or food to your local food shelf.  

Food programs can stretch financial donations further through bulk purchasing and partnerships. Monetary gifts also mean less time and labor to sort and stock donated items.

To find your local food shelf, visit Hunger Solutions’ Find Help map. 

News and Updates

Partners and Providers 

Counties, Tribal Nations, and other community partners will continue to receive direct communication from DCYF. Information will also be posted in agency systems such as SIR.