Minnesota is among at least 22 states that have filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture, claiming the agency is unlawfully suspending the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

Several Minnesota restaurants and organizations have stepped up to offer free food for those in need during the SNAP benefit lapse. Here's a list.

Lawmakers in Louisiana approved a resolution Wednesday to allow the state's Department of Health to use up to $150 million in funding for some people who would normally receive SNAP benefits.

Gov. Walz announced state funding Monday to help Minnesotans who receive monthly Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

Gov. Tim Walz announced $4 million in emergency funding will go to Minnesota food shelves as the ongoing government shutdown threatens to cut off SNAP benefits for hundreds of thousands of Minnesotans.

Without SNAP benefits, one of the only options is food shelves, which many SNAP recipients already use. The average SNAP benefit per person in Minnesota is $157 a month, or just over $5 a day. But food shelves are already struggling to meet demand. The Food Group reports visits to Minnesota food shelves rose 18% between 2023 and 2024.

As the federal shutdown drags on, food shelves brace for a surge in demand. The USDA warns no SNAP payments will go out Nov. 1 if the stalemate continues — leaving hundreds of thousands without grocery aid.

The lawsuit argues the USDA is legally required to continue providing SNAP benefits during the shutdown as long as it has funding.

Authorities are warning of a scam targeting Minnesota SNAP recipients with fraudulent text messages promising emergency food relief funds.

The Agriculture Department said it can't use contingency funds to pay for SNAP benefits, contradicting earlier guidance that the money was available.