Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) 

What is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program?

The SNAP program is a county-run, federal program that helps Minnesotans with low incomes get the food that’s needed for sound nutrition and well-balanced meals. The program provides support to help stretch your household food budget. It is not intended to meet all of your household's food needs. It is a supplement.

If you are approved for SNAP, you can use your benefits at many stores, farmers markets and senior dining sites.

Expedited SNAP

Expedited SNAP is available to the following types of households:

  • 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 actual monthly housing and utility costs (or the standard utility allowance if the household is entitled to it)

Eligibility

SNAP eligibility depends on your household’s size and income. Mille Lacs County Community & Veteran Services accepts client applications, determines eligibility, and determines benefit levels in accordance with state and federal regulations. The SNAP program is available in all 87 Minnesota counties.

Next Steps

To apply for SNAP, contact Mille Lacs County Community & Veteran Services at 320-983-8208 or apply online through MNBenefits.

 No English - 320-983-8208 - phone 

How Do I Get My Benefits?

Most food benefits are distributed through Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT), which is similar to a debit card. Each month, your EBT account is credited with your benefits. During the month, you use your card to purchase food at enrolled grocery stores. You swipe your EBT card through a point-of-sale terminal and the purchases are deducted from your account balance. You may authorize an additional person to use your EBT card.

SNAP benefits can be used to buy food, plants, and seeds to grow food for you or your family. You can also use your EBT card at the Farmer's Market to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables. They may also be used at authorized sites for Meals on Wheels and congregate dining.

SNAP USDA Nondiscrimination Statements

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. 

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), 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.  Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at:
https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf, from any USDA office, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complaintant'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: 

  1. mail:  Food and Nutrition Service, USDA
             1320 Braddock Place, Room 334
             Alexandria, VA 22314
  2. fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or
  3. email: FNSCIVILRIGHTSCOMPLAINTS@usda.gov

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

View the Program Overview on the Department of Human Services website.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Information Numbers

MinnesotaHelp.info

Civil Rights Plan (PDF)