The notice from the USDA states: “Bottom line, the well has run dry. At this time, there will be no benefits issued November 1.”

As the deadline approaches, communities are coming together to assist those facing food insecurity. In Cook County, businesses and individuals are making public, direct offers of aid.

10/31 update: 

Gun Flint Tavern: Beginning next week, the Gun Flint Tavern announced it would offer free soup and bread every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., available for pickup, until SNAP benefits are restored. According to the Tavern, there will be "no questions asked, and no proof needed." 

To order, email [email protected] with your family size at least 48 hours before pickup. 

10/30 update: 

PHHS: From now through the end of the year, there will be a food drive set up in the lobby of the Cook County Courthouse. There are several bins, each labeled for a specific type of item (canned goods, cereal, household goods, etc.). This system is largely “self-serve,” meaning that individuals can donate unopened, non-expired, non-perishable items to the appropriate bin and/or take items that they need. There are also community resource lists, with information about other places and programs that offer food assistance in the local area.

Individuals in need of food support can also call PHHS at 218-387-3620 or come to the PHHS front desk in the Courthouse to request a Ruby’s Pantry voucher or a gift card to a local grocery store.

If you would like to make a monetary, tax-deductible donation through PHHS to support providing local grocery gift cards to individuals in need, please contact Andi DeBoer, PHHS Fiscal Officer, at 218-387-3622.  

Cook County Pet Food Shelf: As families and individuals across the nation feel the effects of rising costs and reduced federal benefits, a new effort in Cook County has launched ahead of schedule to support households and their animals. Local community member Dr. Katie Neshek (a veterinarian) has officially opened the Cook County Pet Food Pantry sooner than she originally planned in response to growing need.

Access will be simple and consistent. “I am working to schedule regular rotating availability across the county several times a week. This schedule will be posted and continuously updated on Facebook. I will also post it in several spots around the communities of Cook County. The Grand Marais Food Shelf will also have items stocked during its open hours. I can also be contacted directly to facilitate access for families, so please do not hesitate to reach out so we can get you what you need!”

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The Fisherman's Daughter (TFD), owned by Katie and Parker Slanga, was among the first to announce a community support effort on Facebook. On October 24, they posted: “If you are someone who may not be receiving your SNAP/Food Assistance next month, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We want to help make sure you have what you need. We can provide deli items or hot meals – no questions asked.” Anyone in need is encouraged to email: [email protected].

Shortly after, Java Moose owner Sarah Jorgenson-Hallberg shared a video stating the coffee shop will help "supplement needs right now that are happening with SNAP benefits." Sarah shared her own family’s past reliance on food stamps and WIC, saying, "You never know what people's situations are." Java Moose purchased gift cards for local stores like IGA, Johnson's, and the Cook County Co-op to hand out (anyone in need can contact [email protected]). She also encouraged broader support from anyone who has the means to do so for Second Harvest Northland, which supplies local food shelves, including in Cook County. 

The Fisherman's Daughter then shared a follow-up Facebook post stating, "Many of you have reached out asking how you can help, and we are now accepting donations," adding, "We’re following Java Moose’s lead and will use the funds to purchase gift cards to our local grocery stores for individuals and families who may lose their food benefits next month. Anything remaining will be donated to the Cook County Food Shelf."

Johnson's Foods, from owners Crystal, Jacob, Chris, and Laura, and "all our employees," announced on Facebook on October 26 that it will offer a 10% discount on the "food items on a purchase for all WIC, EBT, and SNAP card holders, and the same discount for federal employees not receiving a paycheck." Individuals should plan to present their SNAP, WIC, or EBT card or proof of federal employment at checkout. 

Clearview General Store in Lutsen, owned by Chris Homyak, announced on Facebook on October 27 that, if federal funding is not extended, they will offer a 25% discount on all food items to customers who present a SNAP/EBT card. They are also offering a 20% discount on food purchases for furloughed federal employees with a work ID. The store also set up a food shelf donation cart, stating, "If you would like to help out those in your community who need it, you can purchase items for the Food Shelf and leave them in the cart. You can also make monetary donations to the food shelf in the container at the counter, and we will bring everything to the food shelf in Grand Marais. We all do better when we all do better.”

The Cook County Co-op is also increasing direct support to the community in anticipation of the funding lapse. According to Amber Richards, strategic marketing and communications manager, the Co-op is increasing the number of gift cards provided to the Small Requests Project, a fund started by Donna and Orvis Lunke (the Project provides confidential food support via grocery store gift cards, with "no red tape"), and is supported by the Lunkes, the community, and Empty Bowls. (Those in need can reach out to the Lunkes here.)

According to a recent Cook County Connections article by Economic Assistance and Health Care Programs Supervisor Dagmara Smith, in Cook County, as of October 31, 2024, 136 cases (or households), assisting 213 persons, were receiving food and nutrition support through the SNAP program. Program details note that SNAP is designed to "supplement the family's normal food purchases rather than pay for all needed food items" and acts as an "important tool in supporting our community’s health and wellbeing."

In Minnesota, $74 million in SNAP benefits are distributed monthly. Of those, 38% are children and 18% are seniors, totaling 440,000 Minnesotans needing benefits each month.

The November cutoff is a result of the ongoing federal government shutdown, now the second-longest on record, according to the Associated Press, and due to a dispute over extending expiring subsidies under the Affordable Care Act.

The USDA stated that the lack of funds stems from the Trump administration’s decision not to utilize approximately $5 billion in contingency funds to sustain the SNAP program through November. Governor Walz highlighted the political choice, noting, "The USDA during the shutdown has contingency funds that they could release... They are choosing not to." However, a USDA memo indicated that "contingency funds are not legally available to cover regular benefits" and are reserved for disaster relief.

For more food-related resources in Cook County and Grand Portage, visit: https://agingwellresources.org/food-4/