Minnesota Restores Full November SNAP Benefits for Families in Need
Families in Minnesota are now receiving full benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) as of Saturday. This follows a tumultuous period involving legal challenges concerning federal assistance.
Minnesota Restores November SNAP Benefits Amid Legal Challenges
The Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families announced the start of full November SNAP benefits on Friday. Approximately 440,000 recipients began seeing these funds on their Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards on Saturday.
Background of the Funding Disruption
The situation arose after the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) decided to suspend SNAP payments effective Nov. 1. This decision was attributed to the ongoing federal government shutdown, which started on October 1 and has become the longest in U.S. history. The USDA argued that it could not maintain SNAP operations during this crisis.
Legal Actions Taken
In response, two lawsuits were initiated. One of the cases was co-led by Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, aiming to ensure SNAP funding continues. A federal judge mandated that the Trump administration must provide these crucial funds.
Despite this order, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a temporary pause on the situation Friday night. However, the federal government had already consented to releasing the SNAP benefits. As a result, Minnesota proceeded to distribute the funds.
State’s Commitment to SNAP Recipients
The state Department of Children, Youth and Families stated it is committed to safeguarding the interests of Minnesotans during this period of uncertainty regarding future court rulings.
- SNAP participants in Minnesota receive an average of $6 per day.
- During the funding delay, many residents sought assistance from local food shelves.
- For every meal provided by food shelves, SNAP typically supports about nine meals.
These developments highlight the importance of SNAP in addressing food insecurity among Minnesota families in need. El-Balad continues to monitor this evolving situation.
