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Hennepin County > Human services > Food assistance

Food assistance

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps people with low income to buy the food they need for sound nutrition and well-balanced meals. The program issues its benefits electronically on a card that's used to buy food at local stores.

Apply for benefits

We’re changing the way we serve you by offering services in a way that is more convenient for you. Apply for economic benefits whenever, wherever. Apply online at MNbenefits or call 612-596-1300 during business hours.

Upload documents online

Upload documents directly to your case with InfoKeep, a safe and secure website.

Digital access points

We're also adding technology tools in the community for people who aren't able to access online tools using their own personal devices. Using a digital access point, residents can:

  • Access and complete online applications
  • Scan and print Human Services documents
  • Use a phone to contact a representative
  • Register to vote

Find a digital access point.

  • Food shelves and free food programs
  • Greater Twin Cities United Way
  • Combined application form (DHS)
  • Translation assistance (DHS)

Contact a human services representative

Phone: 612-596-1300

M-F, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Toll free

Phone: 844-803-8466

Translation assistance available
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Renew SNAP benefits

To renew your cash benefits, go to MNbenefits and click the Apply Now button. Individuals who are renewing their benefits will follow the same application process as those applying for benefits for the first time.

You will receive the Household Update Form (DHS-8107-ENG) in the mail even if you have already submitted your renewal application online. If you choose to complete the paper forms, once you have filled out and signed the form, return it to Hennepin County by uploading it through your InfoKeep account or to MNbenefits. You can also send your documents to our virtual drop box, or fax or mail them.

  • Virtual drop box: hhsews@hennepin.us
  • Fax: 612-288-2981
  • Mail: Hennepin County Human Services Department, P.O. Box 107, Minneapolis, MN 55440

If you don't have access to these options, there are document drop boxes available at any Human Service Center.

Available drop boxes for residents

Northwest Human Service Center (Brooklyn Center)

Main floor lobby 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays only

Health Services Building (Downtown)

Main floor lobby 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays only

West Human Service Center (Hopkins)

Inside the building lobby 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturdays

South Suburban Human Service Center (Bloomington)

Outside building by Hennepin County entrance

South Minneapolis Human Service Center

Outside building near main entrance on Lake Street side of the building

North Minneapolis Human Service Center

Outside building near main entrance

Get help buying food while schools are closed (P-EBT program)

Families currently receiving SNAP are automatically signed up

Families that have been receiving SNAP or MFIP benefits since March 18, 2020 do not need to apply. You are automatically receiving the additional $325 per child, which is loaded onto your existing EBT cards.

Check your EBT card balance at EBTedge.

SNAP Employment and Training

The SNAP Employment and Training (SNAP E&T) program offers job resources, support and training to residents receiving SNAP benefits. SNAP E&T can help you learn new skills, explore careers, and get a job.

Some people receiving SNAP must meet work requirements to maintain their benefits. If this applies to you, participating in SNAP E&T is a way to meet your work requirement. Learn about SNAP time-limited work rules and who needs to follow them on the Minnesota Department of Human Services’ website. 

Services for SNAP recipients

Anyone who is currently receiving SNAP benefits is eligible for the SNAP E&T program. We can help with the following:

  • Career planning to identify your unique skills and job-related goals
  • Support in your employment search, including resume review and interview preparation
  • Job training to build skills and earn a certification
  • Assistance for students to do well in school
  • Financial support to help you get ready to work
  • Ongoing support as you begin your new career

More information about SNAP E&T

Get started with SNAP E&T

To get started with SNAP E&T, contact an approved provider. Use this search tool to find organizations that offer qualifying education and training. 

For questions about SNAP E&T, call 612-596-1708.

Information sessions

Attend an online or in-person information session to learn more about programs and trainings offered by Hennepin County SNAP E&T. No registration is required.

Virtual

Every Wednesday at 2 p.m. beginning August 23, 2023
Join online at https://hc.adobeconnect.com/snapetinfosession 

In-person

Wednesday, September 20, 2023, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Hennepin County Library — North Regional, Room 205
1315 Lowry Avenue North, Minneapolis

Wednesday, September 27, 2023, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Hennepin County Library — Minneapolis Central, Doty Board Room
300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis

Wednesday, October 4, 2023, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Hennepin County Library — Brookdale, Meeting Room ABC
6125 Shingle Creek Parkway, Brooklyn Center

Wednesday, October 11, 2023, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Hennepin County Library — North Regional, Room 205
1315 Lowry Avenue North, Minneapolis

You have the right to appeal

If you don't agree with an action taken on your case, you have the right to appeal.

File an appeal

There are several options to file.

Call 

  • Minnesota Department of Human Services Appeals office: 651-431-3600 or,
  • Hennepin County Economic Supports office: 612-596-1300  

Submit a handwritten request

Submit a handwritten request to appeal or use the Appeal to State Agency form (DHS-0033 to Hennepin County:

  • Mail
    Hennepin County Human Services Department
    PO Box 107
    Minneapolis, MN 55440
  • Fax: 612-288-2981
  • Online drop box: hhsews@hennepin.us
  • Upload to your account: mnbenefits.mn.gov
  • Drop off: Any Hennepin County Human Service Center drop box 

Submit the Appeal to State Agency form (DHS-0033) to the Minnesota Department of Human Services. Submission instructions on the form. 

Timeline

You may appeal any agency action or benefits lost in the last 90 days. You may appeal a denial of restoration of lost benefits within the past year, and may appeal your benefit amount at any time during a current certification period.

Help while waiting for the appeal

You can continue to receive assistance while waiting for the appeal to be heard. If you lose the appeal, you must pay back any assistance received during that time.

 

 

You have the right to file a discrimination complaint

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), religious creed, disability, age, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

Program information may be made available in languages other than English.  Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the agency (state or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (833) 620-1071, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to:

Mail:
Food and Nutrition Service, USDA
1320 Braddock Place, Room 334
Alexandria, VA 22314; or

Fax: 
(833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or

Email:
FNSCIVILRIGHTSCOMPLAINTS@usda.gov

This institution is an equal opportunity provider. 

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