REGIONAL — As the federal government shutdown comes up on a month, St. Louis County officials are racing to help residents navigate disruptions to food assistance programs that serve more than 10,000 local families.
The county launched a new webpage this week to help residents track which services are affected and find alternative resources as funding uncertainty threatens several federally supported programs.
SNAP benefits frozen
The county will be unable to approve new or pending applications for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which provides food assistance to low-income individuals and families. County employees worked to process as many applications as possible before the freeze took effect on Oct. 16.
According to the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has warned that if the shutdown continues into November, there won’t be enough funds to pay November SNAP benefits.
Residents can still submit applications, and county workers can continue reviewing them and working with applicants, but no approvals can be issued until the freeze is lifted. Anyone whose application was approved by Wednesday, Oct. 15, will receive October benefits.
Current SNAP recipients can continue using their benefits as usual for now.
Other programs affected
The Minnesota Family Investment Program, which provides cash and food benefits for families with dependent children, faces a tighter deadline. St. Louis County can continue approving October MFIP benefits only through Oct. 29. If the shutdown persists, November benefits are not expected to be distributed.
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children remains operational as of Oct. 15. Recipients are encouraged to keep their appointments and continue using their eWIC cards.
County mobilizes resources
Recognizing the potential hardship, county officials have compiled a list of food shelves and meal services across the region.
Northern St. Louis County residents can access the Salvation Army’s free meal programs in Virginia and Hibbing, as well as Ruby’s Pantry events in Eveleth.
Residents can visit stlouiscountymn.gov/shutdownimpacts for the latest updates as the situation develops. Program participants are urged to keep their contact information current with the county to receive important notifications about their cases.