Resources available in Kanabec County as shutdown impacts food benefit programs

Kanabec County is navigating impacts from the federal government shutdown, including a program that helps support more than 800 households.

Due to the shutdown, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food benefits will not be issued for November.

According to Kanabec County Family Services director Chuck Hurd, the county currently has 836 active households receiving SNAP benefits, which is about 1,355 people.

Kanabec County also has about 60 households in the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP), which is approximately 143 people.

Hurd said 38% of people supported by the programs are elderly and disabled individuals.

"If you can help your neighbors out, or contribute more to food shelves, or anything else during this time of need for them, I'm sure it would be greatly appreciated," he said.

Hurd said Kanabec County is home to several food shelves and services like Soup For the Soul, and residents can reach out to the Family Services Office for support information.

"I think contacting your local food shelf, and offering what support you can, is the best way to get food to the people who need it quickly," he said.

The Kanabec County Family Services office has already started to receive an increased number of phone calls.

"I anticipate that after the first of the month, that will go up substantially," he said.

Minnesota has created an online portal with updates about shutdown impacts at https://dcyf.mn.gov/federal-shutdown.