Food assistance increases 15%

Minnesotans on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and other food assistance programs who are receiving the maximum amount will soon see a 15-percent increase in monthly food benefits. They do not need to do anything additional to receive this increase.

The federal Consolidated Appropriations Act in Congress increased the maximum SNAP benefit amount by 15 percent starting Jan. 1 and running through June 30. It means a family of four receiving the maximum benefit will receive $782, an increase of $102.

Minnesota provides state-funded food benefits through the Minnesota Family Investment Program, which combines cash and food benefits. SNAP and MFIP participants receiving the maximum benefit for their household size will be eligible for the increase.

Minnesota county and tribal program eligibility staff will issue a supplemental payment to reflect the increase to food recipients who have already received their January payments. From February through June, the department will issue one payment monthly, reflecting the increase.

Food assistance is in high demand due to the economic impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic. With rising unemployment and reduced hours, many households are facing tight budgets and struggling to afford food.

In Minnesota, the average monthly SNAP benefit for each household member is $109, and the average SNAP benefit per person per meal is $1.22.