SNAP Monthly Food Benefits
Your low-income household may qualify for monthly benefits that help you save money when you buy healthy food.
For assistance in English, call or text us at 866-844-3663. Para obtener ayuda en español, llámenos o envíenos un mensaje de texto al 866‑844‑3663. Hadad rabto gargaar o luqada Somaliga ah, nagaso wac ama fariin noguso dir 866‑844‑3663. Yog xav tau kev pab hauv lus hmoob, hu los sis sau ntawv tuaj rau peb ntawm tu xov tooj 866‑844‑3663. |
Get Help Each Month Buying Groceries
SNAP, or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, is a monthly financial benefit that helps low-income households purchase food. SNAP is a federal program designed to make groceries more affordable for hungry families, while also helping local businesses.
How SNAP Works
Participants receive a special debit card called an EBT card that’s loaded with funds. Each month, you use it to buy nutritious groceries at local stores, farmer’s markets and even online. Your level of EBT benefits depends on your household size and income.
We Can Help You Sign Up
Our team of SNAP Outreach Specialists can talk to you about the program and help you through the screening and application process. We have a full-time staff who are knowledgeable about SNAP, and there is no cost or risk in seeing if you're eligible. Last year we helped over 15,700 Minnesota households with SNAP applications and re-certifications.
How to Enroll in SNAP
Step 1: See If You’re Eligible
Using the Household Income Guide below, is your total household income less than the gross income for your household size? 'Households' are defined by people within your home who you share meals with. 'Gross income' is your income before taxes are taken out. These guidelines took effect 10/1/2023.
| Household Size | Family Monthly Income | Seniors (60+) and disabled |
200% of Federal Poverty Guidelines | 100% of Federal Poverty Guidelines | |
| 1 | $2,430 | $1,215 |
| 2 | $3,287 | $1,644 |
| 3 | $4,143 | $2,072 |
| 4 | $5,000 | $2,500 |
| 5 | $5,857 | $2,929 |
| For each additional household member, add: | +$857 | +$429 |
There is no risk or penalty in checking to see if you qualify for SNAP grocery benefits.
or
Call us at 651-401-1411 (toll-free at 1-866-844-FOOD)
After you complete the screening, a SNAP Outreach Specialist from Second Harvest Heartland will contact you to take the next step. These helpful team members can also refer you to additional food resources. There are many options to get help in your local community and at the county and state levels.
Step 2: Complete a SNAP Application
If you’re eligible, the next step is to apply online through the State of Minnesota, or with help from one of our SNAP Outreach Specialists.
Second Harvest Heartland employs a dedicated team who assists thousands of Minnesotans with SNAP applications each year.
Step 3: Talk to A Eligibility Worker for Your County
Once the state receives your SNAP application, it goes to the Human Services office in the county where you live. The county will verify your information, like income and housing costs. Your county will notify you when your application has been approved or denied—usually within 30 days, and sooner for emergency situations.
Summer EBT
New Food Support System
When school is not in session, there’s an uptick in food insecurity for kids and families. Summer EBT is a new food support program that provides families with $120 per eligible school-aged child to buy groceries while school is out. Most families will get these benefits automatically, but some parents will need to apply.
Learn more from the MN Department of Education; assistance is available in English, Spanish, Somali, Hmong, Karen, and Arabic.
Six Reasons to Try SNAP
There is more than enough food to go around, and SNAP is here to ensure all Minnesotans can afford healthy groceries. SNAP can give you the power and freedom to:
Choice
Purchase the food and ingredients you know and love.
Health
Access the nutrition your body needs.
Budgeting
Manage your food budget and put income towards other expenses.
Planning
Use your grocery money when you need it - your benefits stay in your SNAP account for up to nine months.
Community
Help yourself and your family while also supporting local businesses.
Trust
Participate in USDA federal government nutrition program.
SNAP was a lifesaver for me. It helped me make important decisions around food, for my health.
42 MILLION AMERICANS
Who Participates in SNAP?
Food insecurity happens to many people during their lives. In fact, one in four of us live with someone who has used SNAP before. Do you have questions about how SNAP works or who it can help?
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about SNAP and citizenship, call the Second Harvest Heartland Care Center at 651-401-1411
Once you are approved for SNAP, you’ll receive an EBT card that works just like a debit or credit card. Each month, your SNAP benefits will load to your card automatically.
SNAP puts you in control. You can use your EBT grocery benefits when and how you need. Any unused funds rollover to the next month. You have up to 9 months to use your SNAP benefits.
You can buy fresh and healthy food at many locations, including local grocery stores, department stores like Wal-Mart and Target, farmer’s markets and even online.
SNAP helps you stretch your grocery budget and afford more fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats and other nutritious items. You can choose the foods and ingredients you like which meet SNAP guidelines.
It depends on your situation. Some households need to file additional reports and the timing varies: monthly, after six-months and/or annually. Once your SNAP application is approved, you’ll receive more information. Be sure you complete and return any paperwork that you get from your county office.
Yes! Many seniors in Minnesota are eligible for multiple programs that help end hunger. The team at Second Harvest Heartland can work with you to determine which benefits you qualify for, including finding the nearest food shelf or food pantry in your area and signing up for SNAP.
In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), religious creed, disability, age, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.
Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the agency (state or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.
To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (833) 620-1071, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to:
mail:
Food and Nutrition Service, USDA
1320 Braddock Place, Room 334
Alexandria, VA 22314; or
fax:
(833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or
email:
FNSCIVILRIGHTSCOMPLAINTS@usda.gov
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.