SNAP benefits paid but more need strains food shelves

Now that the federal government shutdown is over, Minnesotans who rely on SNAP are getting their food assistance benefits or will soon. But food banks across the state are worried about the shutdown’s lasting impacts and the growing need for hunger relief heading into the holiday season.

Changes to eligibility requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, and looming federal funding cuts included in President Donald Trump’s “One Big, Beautiful Bill” act will sharply increase the number of Minnesotans needing to turn to local food shelves, which have already been struggling to keep up with the demand.

The silver lining on the government shutdown is that food banks say more people have been donating both cash and food and giving their time as volunteers at their