DRAFT: PartnerLink Federal Shutdown Impact on DCYF Programs

Updated October 17, 2025

Intro

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families has received notice from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Services that if the federal government shutdown continues into November, there will not be enough funds to pay November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

Thank you for your continued partnership as we navigate the impacts of the federal government shutdown together. The Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families is working closely with our MNIT partners to find and implement solutions that allow counties and Tribal Nations to continue processing SNAP and MFIP applications during the shutdown.

Through this collaboration, DCYF and MNIT identified a solution that allows for the continued processing of SNAP benefits for now. As part of this work, the approval block that had been scheduled to take effect was not implemented.

DCYF and MNIT continue to explore options to support MFIP benefits and minimize disruptions for Minnesotans who rely on this assistance. We appreciate your collaboration, partnership, and flexibility as we work through these challenges together.

This page provides the latest information, key messages, and resources to help you support your communities during the federal shutdown.

Below are key messages you can use to communicate with your community about the federal shutdown and SNAP. Feel free to adapt them for your website, emails, or social media. As the situation continues to change, please take a moment to review and update any past messages about benefits or the federal shutdown so your community has the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Key Messages

SNAP

· November’s SNAP benefits are at risk and may not be available if the federal shutdown continues.

· Current SNAP recipients can continue to use benefits as usual for now.

· Individuals and families can continue to apply for SNAP benefits and applications can continue to be reviewed and processed by counties and Tribal Nations.

· To ensure timely communication, DCYF will notify active SNAP households via text and email, instead of mailing letters. DCYF’s federal shutdown webpage and Facebook page will also be updated when new information is available.

· The Minnesota Food HelpLine offers resources for those who need help with food access. Contact the helpline at 1-888-711-1151 or www.mnfoodhelpline.org.

MFIP

· DCYF is actively testing ideas that will allow MFIP cash benefits to continue in November.

Key dates

Tuesday, Oct. 21 – DCYF will provide notice to SNAP and MFIP recipients that November benefits will not be issued.

Wednesday, Oct. 29 – active, reinstated, or pending MFIP cases processed on or after this date cannot be approved.

Saturday, Nov. 1 – active or reinstated SNAP cases processed on or after this date cannot be approved. If the federal government shutdown has not ended, November SNAP and MFIP food benefits will not be issued.

Contacts

Counties can reach out to Kari Ouimette, DCYF’s Director of County Relations, with any questions at kari.ouimette@state.mn.us.

Tribal Nations can reach out to Angie Fairbanks, DCYF’s Tribal Liaison, with any questions at angela.fairbanks@state.mn.us.