SNAP benefits in Minnesota, North Dakota halted for November
Benefits will not be paid out in either state until the shutdown ends or the federal government provides guidance on providing benefits
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will not be paid out in November due to a lack of funds from the ongoing federal government shutdown, according to the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF).
Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) food benefits will also not be paid out during the shutdown, but cash benefits will continue in November. MFIP helps families with children meet their basic needs while helping caregivers move to financial stability through work, according to the DCYF website.
DCYF is exploring solutions to allow recipients to continue accessing benefits during the shutdown. Food benefits will not be issued until the shutdown ends or DCYF receives guidance from the federal government.
Currently, those who received October SNAP benefits are encouraged to use them as normal.
Statewide, more than 450,000 Minnesotans utilize SNAP. According to USDA data, from May 2024 to May 2025, the number of Minnesotans participating in SNAP remained steady, decreasing .6%.
In North Dakota, where more than 57,000 residents receive SNAP benefits, the state says it will also be unable to pay November SNAP benefits if the federal shutdown continues into next month. Benefits will be paused on Nov. 1. Just like in Minnesota, North Dakota is waiting for the shutdown to end or for further federal guidance.
USDA data shows that from May 2024 to May 2025, North Dakotans participating in SNAP jumped 13.8%, from 50,220 people participating in May 2024 to 57,129 participating in May 2025.
In both North Dakota and Minnesota, applications are still being processed for SNAP.
With November benefits halted, Churches United is anticipating increased usage at Dorothy Day Food Pantry and the Micah’s Mission Community Center kitchen as SNAP recipients look for alternative food sources. In addition to SNAP recipients, federal employees may also look to area food pantries while the shutdown continues.
In anticipation of that, Churches United is asking for the community’s support in helping our neighbors who rely on SNAP, as well as federal employees affected by the shutdown who may need food assistance.
“These are uncertain times for all of us, and especially for our neighbors who rely on SNAP benefits each month to get the nutrition they need,” says Churches United CEO Pastor Devlyn Brooks. “To those who are able, we ask for your assistance in helping to feed our community members through monetary or food donations. To our neighbors who are uncertain about where their next meal will come from: know that Churches United and your community are here to support you.”
Dorothy Day Food Pantry is located at 1308 Main Ave., Moorhead. The pantry is a consumer-choice model pantry where people can come inside and shop at our pantry. No identification or income verification required.
Pantry hours are:
Tuesday: Noon to 3 p.m.
Wednesday: 3-6 p.m.
Thursday: Noon to 3 p.m.
The pantry is closed Monday, Friday and Sunday
The Micah’s Mission Community Center is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day, and meals are served twice a day from noon to 1:30 p.m. and 5-6:30 p.m.
If you would like to donate food items, contact Donations and Volunteer Coordinator Keely, keelyh@churches-united.org.
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