STep statement on Snap disruptions

The government shutdown is over, and SNAP benefits have been restored to Minnesota residents, but the impacts continue to be felt. 

On November 8, Minnesota sent the full November benefits to enrolled SNAP recipients. New enrollees have also begun to receive their benefits. The USDA has threatened to sanction Minnesota and other states for releasing benefits prematurely, despite federal court orders and initial guidance from the USDA. 

On November 12, the shutdown ended, allowing the government to fully reopen. Most funding is through January 31, 2026, but SNAP funding is continued through September 30, 2026. There is much concern that SNAP will again be disrupted as a negotiation tactic. 

Without further disruptions, SNAP will not be providing the same level of support for food security that it once did. Changes in eligibility mean that fewer people will receive benefits, including older adults (55-64) who are unable to meet the stricter work requirements, young adults aging out of the foster system, and refugees. Cuts in the program and delinking future benefit amounts to inflation will mean smaller benefits from the already meager amounts. Pairing that with food prices having increased 24% in just the last four years, the program provides much less nutrition support than in the past. 

STEP and other programs are now facing the new normal. We must significantly ramp up our services to fill the growing gap in the food security safety net. 

In response to the growing need, STEP has increased the number of appointments to access food, both in-person shopping and curbside pickup. If people are unable to make an appointment, prepacked bags of 12-38 lbs. of food (depending on family size) are available. Our goal is to ensure that everyone has access to the vital resources they need during and after the holiday season. 

 STEP is piloting a weekly no-appointment drop-in market. This opportunity will have limited options (produce, milk, bread, some staples) that anyone can stop in and access, depending on supplies. Further details will be announced in the coming days. 

 To fill the remaining need, STEP can only do this work with the community’s help. Already, many neighbors and businesses have heeded the call. Financial donations have empowered STEP to source additional food and expand operations. Thousands of pounds of food donations are making their way into neighbors’ kitchens. With enduring support, STEP will continue to keep hunger out of our community. 

How to Help  

1. Financial donations are the most effective way to help STEP quickly and efficiently respond to the unfolding crisis. Donate online or send to 6812 W Lake St, St Louis Park, MN 55426. 

2. Donated food will get into the hands of neighbors facing hunger. Currently, STEP is asking for donations of unexpired canned meat (tuna or chicken), cereal, rice, pasta sauce, canned vegetables, sugar, oil, and flour. Every can, box, and bag of food donated helps fill the gap left by the SNAP disruption.  

3. Donated holiday toys will help impacted families celebrate holiday gifting traditions. STEP anticipates a record-breaking need for families to be assisted with new gifts for their children. You can make a donation through STEP’s Amazon and Target Wish Lists. 

4. We need supporters to raise their voice. Tell the President, Members of Congress, the Governor, and other elected officials that they need to respond more fully to this avoidable food security crisis.