COVID-19 emergency food support
If your monthly income is now below the following amounts based on your household size, you may be eligible for assistance through SNAP.
| Number of people | Monthly income before taxes |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,771 |
| 2 | $2,396 |
| 3 | $3,020 |
| 4 | $3,644 |
| 5 | $4,268 |
| 6 | $4,893 |
| 7 | $5,517 |
| 8 | $6,141 |
For each additional family member above 8 add $625.
Due to COVID-19 pandemic, many Minnesota families face difficult times. It may be hard to pay bills and find food to stay healthy. If you or someone you know has been laid off from work or seen work hours cut, help may be available. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can help you buy food while budgets are tight.
To help recipients purchase food, SNAP offers monthly benefits loaded on an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, which works similarly to a debit card. This card can be used to buy groceries at authorized food stores and retailers.
You can fill out an application online at MNbenefits.mn.gov. After applying online, most applicants must complete a phone interview with your county or tribal human service office.
For help applying or additional food resources, contact the Food Helpline at 1-888-711-1151 or visit Hunger Solutions.
Receive SNAP but can't leave your home?
Have someone shop for you
Find a trusted adult who can shop for you and deliver your groceries. Call your county or tribal nation worker to have them added as an authorized representative on your case. Learn more about adding an authorized representative (PDF).
You can give your EBT card to a trusted adult without adding them as an authorized representative, but it is not recommended unless it's an emergency. Giving your EBT card to anyone outside of your household increases the risk of fraud. Benefits accessed from your EBT card using your PIN can’t be replaced, even if the card was used without your permission. Learn more about your EBT card and how to help protect your benefits against fraud (PDF).
SNAP news and updates
Find important news and information about SNAP — including policy updates, instructions for using an EBT card and information about eligibility — at mn.gov/dhs/snap-changes/.
Local organizations and food support
Minnesota is home to a robust network of food shelves that may be able to offer additional food support. Once you have located a nearby organization, call or visit their website to get the most up-to-date information.
Find a food shelf or meal program near you
If you are concerned about how these resources may affect your citizenship status, food shelves will not affect your ability to become a citizen.
State and federal programs
- Minnesota Employment and Economic Development unemployment benefits
- Nutrition Assistance Program for Seniors (NAPS)
- Women, Infants & Children (WIC) Special Supplemental Nutrition Program
- School lunch programs
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
- Minnesota DHS food support office
- Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) cash grants and food assistance
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for help buying food
- Pandemic EBT (P-EBT)
Grocery delivery options
Metro Mobility
651-602-1111
Mon. - Fri. | 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Sat.- Sun. | 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Transit Link
651-602-5465
Mon. - Fri. | 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Other Resources
Senior Linkage Line
800-333-2433 | seniorlinkageline.com
Mon. - Fri. | 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Disability HUB
866-333-2466 | disabilityhubmn.org
LinkVet
888-546-5838 | linkvet.org
Do your grocery shopping online with EBT
SNAP participants and those receiving Minnesota Family Investment Program food benefits can now purchase eligible food items online using their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card. Aldi, Amazon, Hugo’s Family Marketplace and Walmart are currently the only approved online retailers in Minnesota, but if additional retailers are approved, they will be listed on this page. Only EBT food benefits can be used online at this time; EBT cash benefits cannot be used online. EBT food or cash benefits cannot be used to pay for delivery costs or any fees. Learn more on this webpage with frequently asked questions about Online EBT.
P-EBT for children
Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) is a temporary food benefit available to Minnesota families with children approved for free or reduced-price school meals when school operations are impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The U.S. Department of Agriculture authorizes the P-EBT program.
Learn who’s eligible, and how benefits will be issued, on the department’s P-EBT webpage.
The Minnesota Department of Human Services and Minnesota Department of Education collaborate in operating the program in Minnesota.
Calling all healthy Minnesotans!
Vulnerable people in our communities like seniors, low-income families and individuals who lost their jobs need your help. Here are some ways for you to make a difference during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Volunteer at a food shelf
Contact your local food shelf to find out if they are taking volunteers to help with delivering food to vulnerable seniors to keep them safe, pack or sort food for those in need. Volunteer needs change rapidly as COVID-19 evolves. Please visit organizations’ websites to learn about the most current volunteer needs. Find a food shelf near you.
Transportation
Metro Transit
651-373-3333
Mon. - Fri. | 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Metro Mobility
651-602-1111
Mon. - Fri. | 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Sat.- Sun. | 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Transit Link
651-602-5465
Mon. - Fri. | 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Donate to a food shelf
Nonprofit organizations are need food and hygiene items. You can help them stay well stocked for those in need. Find a list of local food shelves.
Other resources
- Crisis Text Line (Text MN to 741741) or https://mn.gov/dhs/crisis/
- Stop the Spread of Germs from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Free and Low-Cost Internet from Comcast’s Internet Essentials
- Minnesota Worker Protections
Food programs are only some of the services you and your family might be eligible to receive. Others may include health care, child care, and income assistance and housing.
