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SNAP-Ed impact in Minnesota

Intro

SNAP-Ed helps communities across Minnesota make healthier choices by supporting local programs, building strong partnerships, and creating lasting change. The most recent statewide data shows just how far this work reaches and how deeply it impacts the lives of Minnesotans.

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Why SNAP-Ed matters in Minnesota

SNAP-Ed helps people with low income make healthier choices every day. In Minnesota, the program reaches children, families, and elders through education and community-based efforts. The 2024 SNAP-Ed Impact Report shows that these programs are making a real difference.

  • 84 percent of adult participants made a positive change in healthy eating
  • 70 percent of children ate more fruits and vegetables
  • 35 percent of households with children are food insecure

What SNAP-Ed does

SNAP-Ed delivers community-driven solutions that help Minnesotans live healthier lives. Programs are shaped by local priorities and led by trusted partners who understand what works.

Key strategies:

  • Nutrition and health education in schools, child care centers, and community spaces
  • Policy, systems, and environmental changes to support healthy living
  • Social marketing to share public health messages
  • Programs designed by and for Tribal Nations
  • Collaboration with universities, food shelves, health systems, and local governments

Where SNAP-Ed shows up

SNAP-Ed meets people where they are by bringing nutrition education and support into everyday spaces. In 2024, programs reached 158 locations across Minnesota and connected with more than 1.7 million people.

highlights include: 

  • 2,644 nutrition classes taught
  • 19,448 individuals received direct education
  • 4,610 children reached through direct education
  • Programs active in schools, colleges, farmers markets, and health clinics

Policy and system changes that support health

SNAP-Ed strengthens community health by driving policy and system changes that make nutritious food and physical activity more accessible. In 2024, partners advanced 405 changes across Minnesota that help build environments where healthy choices are easier to make.

In 2024, SNAP-Ed supported changes:

  • Healthy food and beverage policies in schools and worksites
  • Free drinking water in public spaces
  • Food safety improvements
  • Clear signs and displays promoting healthy food
  • New opportunities for physical activity in public settings
  • Support for food shelves to highlight fresh and healthy options

Partnerships that make it possible

SNAP-Ed’s impact in Minnesota is powered by trusted partnerships rooted in community. These connections ensure programs are relevant, effective, and led by those who know their communities best.

Examples include:

  • 8 Tribal Nations designing and delivering SNAP-Ed in their communities
  • 825 partner locations including nonprofits, schools, local governments, and health centers
  • 77 government programs and 31 small businesses involved
  • Work guided by cultural knowledge, local data, and community goals

Tribal Nation-Led programming

Tribal Nations across Minnesota lead their own SNAP-Ed programs, designing efforts that reflect cultural values, community priorities, and local knowledge. These programs strengthen wellness through self-determined approaches grounded in sovereignty and tradition.

Current partners

  • Bois Forte Band
  • Fond du Lac Band
  • Grand Portage Band
  • Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe
  • Lower Sioux Indian Community
  • Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe
  • Red Lake Nation
  • White Earth Nation

Community Impact by the Numbers

SNAP-Ed programming reached Minnesotans at scale in 2024, combining education, outreach, and policy work to create meaningful change.

Key results include:

  • 7.2 million impressions through social marketing and outreach
  • 405 policy, systems, and environmental changes recorded
  • 1.7 million people reached through direct education and engagement

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.