Ramsey County releases $450,000 for food shelves, baby formula as shutdown continues

Ramsey County is preparing to spend $450,000 in emergency food assistance as the federal government shutdown imperils SNAP and WIC benefits.

Roughly 68,500 Ramsey County residents rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to pay for their groceries, but on Saturday, spending for that program lapsed this month for the first time ever. Following two federal judges’ orders, the Trump administration on Monday agreed to use contingency funds to partially fund SNAP for November, but that money could take weeks to reach families’ accounts.

RELATED: Uncertainty for Minnesotans as SNAP benefits expire

Funding for WIC, the federal nutrition assistance program for mothers and young children, is in place for now but is in danger of running out later this month. Nearly 18,000 Ramsey County residents receive WIC benefits.

The county is now stepping in with $380,000 for 11 local food shelves and another $70,000 for infant formula in the event the government shutdown disrupts WIC funding.

RELATED: Minneapolis directs $150K to food shelves amid SNAP funding uncertainty

“The federal shutdown continues to have the greatest impact on our most vulnerable residents,” Ramsey County Board of Commissioners Chair Rafael Ortega said in a statement. “The recent court decision directing the federal government to continue SNAP benefits is a positive step, though its full impact remains to be seen. Families and children cannot wait — we remain focused on ensuring they have access to food and essential resources right now.” 

For a list of food resources in Ramsey County, click here.
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