Food Support & Food Assistance
There are many programs to help people with their food needs, such as emergency food help, Expedited Food Support, Food Support (formerly called Food Stamps) and Minnesota Food Assistance. Visit the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) Food Support website for more information.
What is the Food Support program?
The Food Support (Food Stamps) program is a county-run federal program that helps Minnesotans with low incomes get the food they need for sound nutrition and well-balanced meals. The program issues electronic food support benefits that can help stretch your household food budget.
What is the Minnesota Food Assistance Program?
The Minnesota Food Assistance Program (MFAP) was created by the Minnesota Legislature in response to federal law changes which made certain noncitizens ineligible for federally funded Food Support. MFAP uses state funds to replace the benefits lost when federal Food Support eligibility ends. MFAP is only available to noncitizens 50 years of age or older. Apply for MFAP as you would for Food Support at your county offices.
How do I get started?
Food Support eligibility depends on your household’s income. County human services agencies accept client applications, determine eligibility, and determine benefit levels in accordance with state and federal regulations. The Food Support Screening tool asks a few questions to help you determine if you may be eligible for the Food Support Program.
What is the next step?
To apply for Food Support, contact your local county human service agency. In St Louis County contact St Louis County Public Health & Human Services or call the Food Support hotline at (800) 657-3698. For TTY service, call the Minnesota Relay at 711 or (800) 627-3529.
Complete a Combined Application Form (CAF) and have an interview. The CAF is the application counties require you to complete to apply for Food Support and Cash assistance. When your benefits begin depends on the date the county receives the first page of the CAF.
Contact: Call for information or visit the nearest office for an application to determine if you are eligible. Duluth: (218) 726-2101; Virginia: 218-749-7137; Hibbing: (218) 262-6000; Ely: (218) 365-8220 or call toll free (800) 450-9777 or email financialassistance@stlouiscountymn.gov.
For additional information visit the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) Food Support website. St Louis County is an equal opportunity provider
Expedited Food Stamps
You may also apply for Expedited Food Support which makes benefits available quickly to households unable to meet their food needs. If you are eligible, benefits will be issued within 24 hours of your interview. Contact St Louis County Public Health & Human Services for more information.
Expedited Food Support is available to the following types of households:
Those with less than $150 in monthly gross income and $100 or less in liquid assets
Destitute migrant or seasonal farmworker units who have $100 or less in liquid assets
Households where the combined monthly gross income and liquid assets are less than actual monthly housing and utility costs (or the standard utility allowance if the household is entitled to it).
You may receive expedited service in Minnesota if you meet the above requirements, even if you received Food Support in another state during the month of application.
Contact: Call for information or visit the nearest office for an application to determine if you are eligible. Duluth: (218) 726-2101; Virginia: 218-749-7137; Hibbing: (218) 262-6000; Ely: (218) 365-8220 or call toll free (800) 450-9777 or email financialassistance@stlouiscountymn.gov. St Louis County is an equal opportunity provider.
For additional information visit the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) Food Support website. St Louis County is an equal opportunity provider.