Local food shelf is available for assistance

Most households will get their last E-SNAP payment in March. Starting in April, most households will get only one SNAP payment. That amount will be the household’s standard monthly benefit. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) program is a county-run, federally funded program administered through the U.S. Department of Agriculture that helps Minnesotans with low income get the food that is needed for sound nutrition and well-balanced meals. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Minnesota received funds from the federal government to temporarily provide extra SNAP benefits known as Emergency SNAP or E-SNAP.

Minnesota Food Helpline provides help to people looking for food shelves, farmer’s markets, market bucks and food programs. Call 1-888-711-1151 or visit www.mnfoodhelpline.org.

The website www.MNFoodHelper.org helps people with applying and recertifying for SNAP benefits.

The hotline 2-1-1 provides a variety of human services resources and information. Call 2-1-1 or visit 211unitedway.org for help with food resources, energy assistance, rent assistance, and more.

Senior Nutrition Program provides people aged 60 or older and their spouses (even if they are under 60) with free dining sites and home-delivered meals. Call Senior LinkAge Line at 800-333-2433, TTY 800-627-3529.

The Otter Tail County Public Health Department’s WIC program is a health and nutrition program that provides a variety of healthy foods. WIC staff can answer nutrition and breastfeeding questions and refer families to other resources. 

Visit www.ottertailcountymn.us/wic/ or call 998-8320.

Area community 

food shelves

• Henning (218) 583-2136

• New York Mills (218) 632-3600

• Perham, Dent, Vergas, Ottertail (218) 346-6181

• Battle Lake (218) 864-0661

• Fergus Falls (218) 739-2971

• Pelican Rapids (218) 863-3663