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DCYF is tracking federal actions that may affect programs serving Minnesota children and families. Get verified facts, current status, and how services continue.

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Minnesota Food Assistance Program (MFAP)

Intro

The Minnesota Food Assistance Program (MFAP) provides state-funded food assistance to legal noncitizens age 50 or older who do not qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) because of their citizenship status.

Services/Topics
Eligibility

Eligibility

Applicants must live in Minnesota, be eligible for SNAP (outside of citizenship status), be a qualified noncitizen lawfully living in the United States and not enrolled in Minnesota Family Investment Program. 

Benefits

Benefits

Benefits are same as SNAP.

Resources
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More Information

How to apply

After applying, applicants must complete an interview with their local county or Tribal Nation human services office. The interview may be in-person or over the phone. 

Eligibility

To qualify, applicants must meet all of the following:

  • Be eligible for SNAP except for the U.S. citizenship requirement
  • Be a qualified noncitizen or a noncitizen lawfully residing in the United States
  • Live in Minnesota
  • Not be enrolled in the Minnesota Family Investment Program.

The program follows all of the policies and procedures of SNAP except for rules that make noncitizens ineligible. Income limits and deductions are the same as those used in SNAP.

Income guidelines

Household sizeHousehold income
1$2,609
2$3,525
3$4,442
4$5,359
5$6,275
6$7,192
7$8,109
8$9,025
9$9,942
10$10,859 

Add $917 per additional household member over 10 household members.

Income guidelines are updated each year. These guidelines are effective October 1, 2025.

Other food and nutrition resources

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Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, helps Minnesotans with low incomes, including temporary low incomes, get the food they need for nutritious and well-balanced meals.
A young child pointing by finger at pastry to father in supermarket.

Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Card

Minnesota offers benefits loaded on an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, which looks and works like a debit card. The card can be used at point-of-sale machines for cash or food purchases, or at ATMs for cash only.
A mom sitting on sofa with her son while she is typing on laptop.

Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP)

The Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) helps families with children meet their basic needs, while helping parents move to financial stability through work. Caregivers are expected to work and are supported with both cash and food assistance.