Photo: Eduardo Soares on Unsplash.com

By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - October 16, 2025

A continued federal government shutdown poses a risk to the issuance of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for the month of November 2025, according to the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families. The department issued a release on October 15, saying it had received notice from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Services, which stated that " if the federal government shutdown continues into November, there will not be enough funds to pay November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits." The shutdown, which began on October 1, 2025, due to a lapse in congressional appropriations, has created funding uncertainty for programs like SNAP.

SNAP, a federally funded program administered at the state and local level, assists millions of low-income individuals and families in purchasing food. October benefits were secured before the shutdown due to prior fund obligations; however, the ongoing shutdown affects the funding stream for the following month.

According to the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families, individuals and households who were already receiving benefits prior to October 16 are "advised to continue using their current benefits as usual for the time being." Recipients can reach out to the county or Tribal Nation where their case resides with any questions.   

Additionally, as of October 15, 2025, counties and Tribal Nations cannot approve applications for new SNAP benefits. While local offices can still accept and review applications, they are prohibited from finalizing and approving households to receive new assistance until federal funding is restored.

For concerns about food availability in November (or any time), the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families recommends Hunger Solutions’ to find a local food shelf (or call 1-888-711-1151).  To find food-related resources throughout Cook County and Grand Portage, click here.

The department also suggests that those who are able can help by donating goods or money to local food shelves. "The loss of federal funding for benefits will cause more strain on our local food shelves and will create more food insecurity for Minnesotans." Locally, community members can donate to food shelves or other food security-related organizations by visiting this website to see some of the possible options, or by participating in the 52-week challenge, which takes place at all grocery stores in Grand Marais.