What’s new for: Economic Supports

SNAP participants can stretch dollars further at farmers' markets

For the fourth consecutive year, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants can stretch their dollars further with a special incentive from Blue Cross Blue Shield that matches Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card purchases with up to an additional $5 in Market Bucks each market day. Market Bucks can be used during the same trip or anytime during the 2013 farmers' market season on SNAP-eligible purchases. More information is in a story about Market Bucks.

Simplified application launched for seniors to access healthy food

To increase seniors’ access to nutritious foods, the Minnesota Department of Human Services announced the launch of a new one-page application for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for Minnesotans age 60 and older.

Toogood appointed to board of national welfare research association

Mark Toogood, director of Transition to Economic Stability Division, was recently appointed to the board of directors for the National Association of Welfare Research and Statistics (NAWRS). In his position, Toogood will participate in four meetings per year to make planning, administrative, and business decisions for the organization and for each annual conference by planning the program, identifying workshops, and selecting speakers and presenters. He will also address issues of importance to research.

ApplyMN online application simplifies process

Minnesotans in need of health care, nutrition assistance, child care assistance and emergency assistance can apply online through ApplyMN, applymn.dhs.mn.gov. This site allows Minnesotans to fill out a single application online for a majority of public assistance programs.

Timeline extended for adults to access food program

Unemployed and underemployed Minnesotans now have a little more help purchasing healthy food. The U.S. Department of Agriculture extended its timeline to allow able-bodied adults without dependents an exemption from work provisions until the end of the federal fiscal year, September 2013, enabling them to access food through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The waiver was first made available to states in January 2009. Minnesota is one of 46 qualifying states or geographic areas receiving the waiver now. Able-bodied Minnesotans are encouraged to voluntarily use SNAP employment and training services until they can find sustainable work.

Report offers recommendations on serving teen parents on MFIP

A report features different ways counties serve teen parents and their children who participate in the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP). MFIP provides low-income families with cash and food assistance for up to 60 months while they progress toward self-sufficiency. DHS interviewed financial workers, employment counselors, social workers, public health nurses, child care workers and teachers who work with teens as well as managers. The Four Rs of Service Delivery for MFIP Teen Parents: Approaches of Eight Minnesota Counties (PDF) concludes with recommendations for serving teen parents.

Self-sufficiency and health care statistics report is online

The Family Self Sufficiency and Health Care Program Statistics available through April 2013 (PDF) report is available online. The report, compiled by the Reports and Forecasts Division, includes caseload numbers and expenditures for cash, emergency and food assistance programs and health care programs.

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