ST. PAUL – Monday, Gov. Tim Walz announced $4 million in emergency one-time funding for Minnesota food shelves.

As the federal government shutdown threatens to continue into November, funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) could be at risk. In Minnesota, approximately 440,000 individuals access SNAP and MFIP benefits, with 36% being children and 18% being seniors. In Brown County, there are currently 788 clients on SNAP.

If SNAP funding is cut in November, emergency food shelves are likely to see an increase in the number of clients they serve. The $4 million in aid will help serve as a stopgap for communities until the federal government reopens.

“It is not a privilege to have food — it is a human right,” Gov. Wal

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