SNAP benefits will not be paid out in November if federal shutdown continues
Churches United is deeply concerned that a stop in benefits would cause hunger to rise sharply in our community at a time when hunger is already on the rise
Dorothy Day Food Pantry serves an average of 350 households per week. Churches United expects that number to increase of SNAP benefits are not paid out in November due to the federal government shutdown.
The Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families received notice from the U.S. Department of Agriculture that if the federal government shutdown continues into November, funds will not be available to pay out Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for that month.
Currently, individuals and families can still apply for benefits, but counties and tribal nations cannot approve applications, according to the Department of Children, Youth and Families website.
The department states that if you received benefits before Thursday, Oct. 16, you can continue to use those benefits as usual for now.
More than 440,000 Minnesotans rely on SNAP benefits for adequate food. Nationwide in 2024, SNAP served an average of 41.7 million people per month, according to the USDA website.
As food insecurity continues to rise in the Fargo-Moorhead area, Churches United is concerned that any stop in benefits would cause hunger to rise sharply in our community.
Churches United CEO Pastor Devlyn Brooks highlighted that Dorothy Day Food Pantry has seen a double-digit increase in use since May, and that the food pantry is, on average, serving 350 households a week. In the month of September alone, the food pantry served 1,347 families and distributed 52,432 pounds of food.
At Micah’s Mission, the kitchen serves two hot meals per day and feeds more than 300 people per day. Should SNAP benefits not be paid out, food pantry usage and guests served by the kitchen are likely to increase sharply.
“Churches United is committed to helping every one of our neighbors in need,” Brooks said. “If your SNAP benefits are not received in November, we will be here to offer food at either our kitchen or food pantry to ensure you receive a meal.”
Dorothy Day Food Pantry is located at 1308 Main Avenue, 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.
Micah’s Mission 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.