In 2023, a record number of Minnesotans turned to food shelves for assistance.
In 2023, Minnesotans made a staggering 7.5 million visits to food shelves, as reported by the nonprofit organization Hunger Solutions. This figure represents an increase of 1.8 million visits compared to the previous year.
According to a statement by Rep. Dave Pinto, DFL-St. Paul, who chairs the House Children and Families Finance and Policy Committee, it is essential that no Minnesotan goes hungry. He emphasizes that Democrats are actively working towards ensuring that all Minnesotans can afford their lives and thrive.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which assists low-income households in purchasing food, was the focus of three bills presented to the Minnesota House Children and Families Finance and Policy Committee.
According to federal regulations, a person who is able-bodied, aged between 18 and 52, and without dependents can only receive food support for a maximum of three months in a 36-month period. However, there are exceptions to this time limit for individuals who are exempt or who meet the monthly work requirements.
After utilizing the initial three months of eligibility, the ABAWD must engage in work or employment and training activities for a minimum of 80 hours per month to acquire additional months of eligibility for food support. However, certain individuals are exempted from these work requirements and time limits.
There are several circumstances in which an individual may be exempt from the general work requirements. These include situations where the person is unable to work due to a physical or mental limitation, is pregnant, has someone under the age of 18 in their SNAP household, is excused from the general work requirements, is a veteran, is experiencing homelessness, or is 24 years old or younger and was in foster care on their 18th birthday.
The amended bill aims to establish SNAP as a medicine program, offering eligible participants a monthly benefit of $175. Additionally, it will provide assistance in acquiring medical or behavioral health assessments for those at risk of losing their SNAP benefits due to federal time limits.
The bill mandates a two-year pause on terminating food assistance for individuals who are eligible. It also includes a provision that necessitates a report to the legislature, along with the allocation of funds for the program.
During the recession in the late 2000s, the number of visits made was significantly lower compared to the current situation. In fact, the current number of visits is more than triple the number recorded during that difficult period. Even more striking is the fact that the current number of visits is more than double the number recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to a map from Hunger Solutions, the majority of counties in the state experienced an increase in visits, with 14 counties witnessing a surge of 50% to over 100%.
During the committee session, three bills were presented with the goal of broadening eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) among Minnesota residents.
Rep. Kim Hicks, a Democrat from Rochester, has authored House File 3426, which aims to extend SNAP benefits to individuals with disabilities in Minnesota.
Heather Keeler (DFL-Moorhead), the vice chair, has authored a bill called HF 3469. This bill aims to create a “SNAP as medicine program” under the supervision of the Minnesota Department of Health. The program’s goal is to assist individuals in maintaining their entitled federal food benefits.
HF 3855, authored by Aisha Gomez, DFL-Minneapolis, is the latest bill that aims to assist SNAP recipients who are unable to prepare their own meals or lack access to permanent housing for storing and preparing food. The bill proposes the option for these individuals to purchase prepared meals using SNAP benefits.
There are several bills that are currently awaiting budget targets for potential action.
