SNAP: If you or someone you know is in need of financial assistance for food, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which offers monthly food benefits, can be a good option. Minnesotans can fill out an application for SNAP online at ApplyMN.dhs.mn.gov. Helplines are available in multiple languages, just click “No English” at the top of the page.

• For many additional resources for food, contact the Food Helpline at 1-888-711-1151 or visit Hunger Solutions.
• Information about SNAP and other food resources is collected on the Minnesota Department of Human Services’ new food emergency webpage.

If you already participate in SNAP – two changes

PICKUP AND DELIVERY: The Minnesota Department of Human Services has temporarily modified procedures to make it easier for people to get food. People who use SNAP and don’t want to leave their homes to get food can authorize a trusted relative, friend or neighbor to pick up and deliver groceries using their electronic benefits card. They must contact their county or tribal financial worker to make the authorization.

E-SNAP: The federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act allows SNAP households that are not currently receiving the maximum benefit to receive additional SNAP benefits through a new, short-term program called Emergency SNAP, or E-SNAP. The Minnesota Department of Human Services will begin issuing the emergency supplements to qualifying households on April 28 and will continue throughout May on a staggered basis. People who qualify don’t have to take any action. Instead, the supplemental aid will be added to their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards.

Free meals for all youth aged 18 and younger:

Minneapolis Public Schools provides weekly free grab-and-go meal boxes at 49 locations. Meals are available to any Minneapolis child, including those who attend charter schools and alternative schools. No paperwork or identification is needed. Each weekly meal box contains 7 breakfasts and 7 lunches for a total of 14 meals. Families are welcome to take ONE (1) box per child, per week. This free food is for ALL children 18 and younger, no matter where the kids go to school. No paperwork or identity is checked. Also included are persons over 18 years of age who have been determined eligible for transitional education services by Minnesota Department of Education.

The nearest meal pick-up location to Sumner Library is Bethune School at 919 Emerson Ave N. where meals are provided on Thursdays from 10am-2pm.

Details and Frequently Asked Questions are found in either of these links:

https://cws.mpls.k12.mn.us/COVID19

https://nutritionservices.mpls.k12.mn.us/uploads/meal_pickup_sites_covid-19_3_16_20.pdf

Free mobile app to locate free meals for kids

The Free Meals for Kids  mobile App help kids and families find and access free meals at hundreds of schools and other sites across Minnesota.

Restaurants and other options

Service and offers can change on short notice. When able, it’s always a good idea to call ahead or check websites before making a trip.

• Afro Deli is offering free meals to school age kids daily between 11:00am-2:00pm. TWO LOCATIONS: 720 Washington Ave SE in Minneapolis and 5 West 7^th Place in St. Paul.

I called the restaurant to get their permission to promote this and the staff member said, yes please promote it.

• Soup for You Cafe provides weekday grab-and-go lunches from 12:00-1:00pm at Bethany Lutheran Church  2511 East Franklin Avenue in Minneapolis.

• Provision Community Restaurant at 2940 Harriet Avenue S, Minneapolis offers free single-serving take-out packaged meals Monday-Friday (5:30-6:30). Bring your own bag.

• Hope Breakfast Bar at 1 South Leech Street in St. Paul delivers 10,000 meals a week to families in need, first responders, and hospital workers working on the front line during the pandemic. They are also open Monday-Friday 9:00am-2:00pm for purchased curbside meals.

• Walker Community Church gives away one bag of groceries per household and to-go boxes of prepared meals on Tuesdays from 5:00-6:15pm. If for any reason they have to change their schedule, they will update their website and their facebook page. I communicated with the church today. Everyone is welcome. You don’t need to be a member of the church.

• Sisters Camelot provides free organic produce in a couple ways.

1. Home delivery for people who live in Minneapolis or St. Paul who meet one or more of the following criteria:

Cannot leave their home and don't have someone who can get food for them – Immunocompromised - Age 65 or better - Diagnosis of COVID 19 or have been swabbed and are awaiting results - Pregnant or with newborn at home.

If you meet one or more of these criteria, you can email SistersDelivers@gmail.com with the following information. (No need to re-apply if you have already emailed.)
Name:
Household size:
Dietary restrictions (will try to accommodate but cannot guarantee) of vegan/vegetarian, allergies, or celiac disease:
Address:
Special delivery instructions:
Phone number (to notify of drop off):
Reason for needing delivery rather than picking up at food share:
Age:

2. Sisters Camelot also offers boxes of organic produce for pick up. Availability is not consistent. They will always post on Tuesday or Thursday mid to late afternoon on their public Facebook page if they have boxes of food available.

Please share widely, keeping in mind that the information is always subject to change without notice.

It takes a village to raise a child but an empowered mom leads to effective parenting.