Emergency SNAP food benefits to end in March

The temporary emergency benefits that helped Minnesotans with low incomes buy food during the COVID-19 pandemic will be ending in March.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program was approved by congress in March of 2020 under the Family First Coronavirus Act and since then, $1.3 billion in emergency SNAP benefits have gone to more than 350,000 Minnesota households.

“That extra support during the pandemic was a welcome relief for people who count on SNAP,” said Human Services Commissioner Jodi Harpstead. “We know that many Minnesotans still struggle to put food on the table. Without the additional federal benefits, that will become even more difficult.”

Since benefits are usually issued a month after eligibility is determined, most recipients will receive their final emergency assistance in March. SNAP benefits will return to regular amounts in April.

For people still struggling with food insecurity there are some available resources on the Department of Human Services website.

Also, Governor Walz administration is working to improve access to food for all Minnesotans and the state legislature have approved an additional $5 million for the Minnesota Food Shelf Program, that bill now goes to the governor for action.