Learn about the impact of the federal shutdown on SNAP and other DCYF programs.
How SNAP works
Each day, a Minnesotan on SNAP receives $5.46. This is not a luxury, it is a lifeline that helps people meet their basic needs.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps more than 440,000 Minnesotans each month, including children, working families, older adults and people with disabilities. Allowing them to afford the nutritious food they need to live healthy, full lives.
Administered by the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families, SNAP is our state’s most effective tool for reducing hunger, supporting economic stability and building stronger, healthier communities.
Qualifying for SNAP
Support when it’s needed. Accountability every step of the way.
SNAP in Minnesota provides critical support to households facing food insecurity, including Minnesotans across all ages and abilities, especially those with lower incomes. It also upholds strict safeguards to maintain program integrity and prevent misuse. Eligibility is based on a household’s size, income and expenses. The application process includes documentation, interviews and regular updates to verify eligibility.
Applying for SNAP
Applying for nutrition assistance requires documentation, verification, and compliance with federal and state rules and not just a visit to an office.
Minnesotans can apply for SNAP online at mnbenefits.mn.gov, get help from a SNAP Outreach specialist at mnfoodhelper.org, call the Minnesota Food Helpline at 1-888-711-1151, or visit their local county or Tribal human services office, ensuring a secure, supportive and accessible process for those who need it.
Understanding SNAP benefits
Who gets help
Benefits are based on household size, income and expenses. Supporting Minnesotans across all ages and abilities, especially those with lower incomes.
Monthly benefits
SNAP benefits are loaded onto Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards, which function like debit cards. Benefits cannot be used for alcohol, tobacco, supplements or hot foods.
Where it's used
EBT cards can be used at authorized grocery stores, convenience stores and farmers markets across Minnesota.
Speak up for SNAP
This fact sheet is part of DCYF’s Speak Up for SNAP toolkit, a statewide effort to raise awareness about the value of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Minnesota communities.
Learn more about the full toolkit and help Minnesota speak up for SNAP.
View or print this fact sheet as a PDF.