Due to the federal government shutdown, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that it will stop issuing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits starting on November 1. The federal government shutdown will also impact the Minnesota Family Investment Fund.
To support students, employees, and their families who may be affected by the temporary suspension of SNAP benefits, OHR is sharing resources on community organizations that provide food assistance, plus financial resources and emotional support.
Food Assistance
Below are food pantries and resources available to students, employees, their families and the community.
Statewide
- Find Food Near Me from Second Harvest Heartland
- Find Your Local Food Bank through Feeding America
- Hungersolutions.org lists food shelves nearby, or call 1-888-711-115
- MN Department of Children, Youth, and Families SNAP Benefits
- Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
Crookston
- Find Help for Crookston
Duluth
- Champ's Cupboard (UMD Students)
- Find Help for Duluth
- Second Harvest Northland
Morris
- Find Help for Morris
Rochester
- Find Help for Rochester
Twin Cities
- Call 211 for food assistance from Twin Cities United Way
- Find Help for Minneapolis
- Find Help for St. Paul
- Neighborhood House Free Food Markets
- Nutritious U Food Pantry on the Twin Cities campus (student-focused)
- Pillsbury United Communities offers food shelves at Waite House and Brian Coyle Center
- Second Harvest Heartland
Related Resources
Financial Help for Students
- Twin Cities students may be eligible for emergency funds to support University of Minnesota students who encounter an unforeseen financial emergency or catastrophic event. Eligibility information and how to request funds are available from One Stop.
Financial Help for Employees
- Retirement plan withdrawal is available for employees who participate in the 457 Plan and Optional Retirement Plan. Employees can make emergency withdrawals of up to $1,000 for any self-declared emergency. Contact Fidelity at 800-343-0860 to learn more.
- Financial Counseling is available for free for all University of Minnesota employees and their families through LSS Financial Counseling.
- Practical tips on managing rising grocery prices and eating frugally are available from LSS Financial Counseling for the entire community.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Support*
- “Coping With Financial Anxiety” article is available through Lyra Health, the University’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) vendor. Visit their platform at umn.lyrahealth.com.
- Discuss your concerns with a counselor or therapist in a one-on-one session to help you manage your stress. You can find resources through umn.lyrahealth.com or contact Lyra’s Care Navigator Team at (877) 295-8939 or [email protected] for assistance.
- Join the “Coping with Distressing Current Events” webinar on November 5 at 11:00 a.m. Go to Lyra’s Library and search for the session.
*Available only for benefits-eligible employees.