Hennepin County authorizes $2 million for food banks as SNAP benefits remain uncertain

Hennepin County on Nov. 6 approved a $2 million emergency authorization to support food banks, food shelves and food-rescue organizations while federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit payments remain uncertain.

The board delegated authority to the county administrator to negotiate contracts, contract amendments and purchase orders with selected Minnesota food providers through Dec. 31, 2025, up to a $2,000,000 supplemental appropriation to the public health department. Reggie Wagner, director of economic supports, briefed commissioners on changes to a formula from the U.S. Department of Agriculture that reduced some households' expected November payments and noted state system constraints affecting timing of payments. Wagner said recent changes to the federal formula reduced the deepest cuts but that households could still see substantially lower or zero benefits depending on household composition.

Commissioners emphasized urgency and local delivery. Commissioner Connolly said, "we will have working families and children that will not have access to food this month" and urged the county to step in. Commissioner Lundy encouraged partnering with local providers who can deliver quickly; Commissioner Edelson pressed for culturally relevant options and noted spikes in demand. Staff confirmed the county plans to leverage a broad network of local providers rather than relying solely on large organizations.

Board members framed the action as short-term emergency support while holding elected leaders in Washington responsible for resolving the federal funding disruption. The motion passed by voice vote.

What happens next: county staff will negotiate and execute contracts and purchase orders with local food banks and food shelves, prioritize quick delivery and culturally relevant items where feasible, and report back to the board on implementation.