Who is eligible for food support? You might be.

The Food Support program is a county-run, federal program that helps Minnesotans with low income get the food they need for sound nutrition and well balanced meals. In Minnesota, an estimated 40% of seniors and as many as 30% of individuals and families who are eligible for the program do not receive it. The biggest reason is that they did not know they were eligible.

To find out if you may qualify for food support, you can begin by choosing one of the two following questionnaires and answering the questions.

Are you younger than 60  (click here)

Are you 60 or older  (click here)

You may 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. Expedited Food Support is available to the following types of households:

“Food Support eligibility depends on your household’s income. Households must have income at or below 165 percent of the federal poverty guideline. As long as you receive the Domestic Violence Information Brochure, the asset limit (used to be $7,000) is waived. There no longer is an asset test. The brochure is available on this Web site or at your county office. Just tell your county worker that you have received the brochure. County human services agencies accept client applications, determine eligibility, and determine benefit levels in accordance with state and federal regulations. The Food Support program is available in all 87 Minnesota counties.

• Those with less than $150 in monthly gross income and $100 or less in liquid assets.
• Destitute migrant or seasonal farm worker units who have $100 or less in liquid assets.
• Households where the combined monthly gross income and liquid assets are less than their actual monthly housing and utility costs (or the standard utility allowance if the unit 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.

Statewide HelpLine
Call Toll Free 1-888-711-1151