How do I apply for SNAP?

Apply through your state's Department of Human Services — online, in person, or by phone. Approval for basic cases can happen in 30 days; expedited SNAP is available within 7 days for households in severe need. Bring ID, proof of income, rent/mortgage, and utilities.

Can I use a food bank without applying?

Yes. Most food banks and pantries don't require income verification, ID, or applications for initial visits. Feeding America's online locator (feedingamerica.org) finds nearby pantries by ZIP code. Most pantries let you visit once or twice a month.

Are custodial fathers eligible for WIC?

Yes. WIC covers custodial parents (including fathers and grandparents) of children under 5, and breastfeeding or postpartum mothers. It's commonly assumed to be mother-only — it isn't. Apply at your local WIC clinic. Income limit is 185% of the Federal Poverty Level.

What is summer food service?

USDA's Summer Food Service Program feeds children 18 and under during school breaks. No application required — kids just show up at a participating site (schools, parks, libraries). Text FOOD to 304-304 to find a nearby site, or call 211.

Food Assistance in Minnesota

17 verified resources.

About Food Assistance for Fathers

Food assistance programs for US fathers and families include SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly food stamps), WIC (Women, Infants, and Children — which serves custodial fathers of children under 5), the National School Lunch Program, food banks through the Feeding America network, and Meals on Wheels. SNAP is administered state-by-state; eligibility is generally based on household income below 130% of the Federal Poverty Level. Food banks operate in every state and are the fastest way to access food without an application — most require no ID or income verification for initial visits. TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program) supplies food banks with USDA commodities. Summer Food Service Programs feed children during school breaks. This directory includes each state's SNAP office, regional food bank networks, and WIC clinics.

Food Assistance in Minnesota

Minnesota district courts hear family matters across its 87 counties. The Child Support Enforcement Division operates under DHS. Minneapolis-Saint Paul anchors the state; Rochester, Duluth, and Bloomington are other major metros. Legal Aid Service of Northeastern Minnesota, Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services, and Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid cover the state through regional LSC-funded programs.

17 Resources

1. Second Harvest Heartland — Free

Largest hunger relief organization in Minnesota distributing food to a network of 1,000+ partner food shelves, meal programs, and schools from the Brooklyn Park warehouse. Not a direct food pantry; individuals should use the online locator to find a partner shelf nearby. Free services at partner locations; many food shelves serve anyone without income verification while others ask for photo ID and proof of address.

651-484-5117 · 7101 Winnetka Ave N, Brooklyn Park, MN 55428 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

2. SNAP/EBT – Minnesota DHS — Free

State Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly food stamps) providing monthly EBT benefits for groceries to income-eligible Minnesotans. Apply online at MNbenefits, by phone through your county, or in person. Bring photo ID, Social Security numbers, proof of income, rent/mortgage, and utility bills. Free to apply; benefits loaded monthly on an EBT card.

651-431-4000 · 444 Lafayette Rd N, St. Paul, MN 55155 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

3. The Food Group — Free

Community food distribution and equitable food systems nonprofit based in New Hope, Hennepin County, operating the Fresh Produce for All program and supporting partner food shelves across the Twin Cities. Not a direct walk-in food shelf for the public; residents should use the online partner locator to find distributions nearby. Free services at partner sites; minimal documentation required.

763-450-3860 · 8501 54th Ave N, New Hope, MN 55428 · Mon-Fri 8am-4pm · Visit Website

4. Feeding America – Minnesota Partners — Free

National nonprofit connecting people to local food banks and pantries including Minnesota affiliates through a free online zip code locator. Minnesota members include Second Harvest Heartland, Channel One, and North Country Food Bank. Free services at partner locations; documentation requirements vary by pantry but most serve anyone in need with minimal intake. Appropriate for emergency food help.

800-771-2303 · Varies by location · Visit Website

5. Community Emergency Service – Food Shelf — Free

Free groceries, emergency food, and wrap-around services for low-income families from the 11th Avenue South location in south Minneapolis. Walk-in shopping-style pantry; visitors can choose their own groceries. Bring photo ID and proof of Minneapolis residency if available but not required. Free services; also offers senior programs, youth programs, and a community garden. Serves all households.

612-870-1125 · 1900 11th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404 · Mon-Thu 10am-3pm · Visit Website

6. Keystone Community Services – Food Shelves — Free

Free groceries at multiple Keystone food shelf locations across St. Paul including the Midway Center on Selby Avenue. Shopping-style pantries let visitors select their own groceries. Bring photo ID and proof of St. Paul or Ramsey County residency if available. Free services; hours vary by site so call or check online before visiting. Also offers senior, family, and emergency service programs.

651-645-0349 · 1150 Selby Ave, St. Paul, MN 55104 · Mon-Fri varies · Visit Website

7. WIC Program – Minnesota — Free

Federal Women, Infants and Children nutrition assistance for pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, infants, and children under 5 who meet income guidelines. Provides healthy food benefits, breastfeeding support, and nutrition education through local clinics statewide. Apply by phone or at a WIC clinic; bring photo ID, proof of residency, income verification, and children's medical records.

800-657-3942 · 625 Robert St N, St. Paul, MN 55155 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

8. Open Arms of Minnesota — Free

Free medically tailored meals delivered to people with serious illnesses including cancer, HIV, and ALS and their families across the Twin Cities metro from the Bloomington Avenue kitchen in Minneapolis. Meals prepared by chefs and delivered weekly at no cost. Apply online or by phone with a healthcare provider referral; bring diagnosis documentation. Free services for qualifying medical conditions.

612-872-1152 · 2500 Bloomington Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55404 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

9. Ruby's Pantry – Minnesota — Free

Monthly food distribution events at dozens of sites across Minnesota offering a large assortment of grocery items for a small donation per share. No income limits; open to anyone regardless of income or residency. Bring a donation (amount posted on the Ruby's Pantry website) and containers for your share. Events held monthly at church and community sites; find schedules online.

651-674-0009 · Monthly events

10. Loaves and Fishes — Free

Free hot meals served at 30+ community dining sites across the Twin Cities metro area, with administrative offices near downtown Minneapolis. No ID, registration, or proof of income required; anyone hungry is welcome to eat. Meal times vary by location; find schedules and locations on the website. Free services; volunteers serve families, single adults, seniors, and children.

612-377-9810 · 401 N 1st Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401 · Mealtimes vary by site · Visit Website

11. VEAP – Food Pantry — Free

Free groceries, emergency food, and social services for Bloomington, Richfield, and south suburban Hennepin County families from the Bloomington Avenue South campus. Shopping-style pantry lets visitors select their own groceries. Bring photo ID and proof of service-area residency. Free services; visitors can shop once a month and receive a supply of fresh, frozen, and shelf-stable foods.

952-888-9616 · 8600 Bloomington Ave S, Bloomington, MN 55425 · Mon-Fri 9am-4pm · Visit Website

12. ICA Food Shelf – Minnetonka — Free

Free groceries and food assistance for western Hennepin County families including Minnetonka, Hopkins, Excelsior, and surrounding communities, located on Minnetonka Boulevard. Shopping-style pantry; visitors select their own food. Bring photo ID and proof of service-area residency. Free services; households can shop up to twice a month. Also offers holiday meals and back-to-school programs.

952-938-0729 · 13509 Minnetonka Blvd, Minnetonka, MN 55345 · Mon-Thu 10am-6pm, Fri 10am-3pm · Visit Website

13. Channel One Regional Food Bank – Rochester — Free

Regional food bank distributing food to a network of partner pantries, shelters, and meal programs across 14 counties in southeastern Minnesota from the 36th Street SE warehouse in Rochester. Also operates an onsite food shelf. Direct clients should use the online locator to find partner pantries nearby. Free services at partner locations; minimal documentation required to receive groceries.

507-287-2350 · 131 36th St SE, Rochester, MN 55904 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

14. PRISM – Food Shelf — Free

Emergency food, housing help, clothing, and social services for families in the north and northwest Minneapolis suburbs from the Zane Avenue North office in Golden Valley. Shopping-style food shelf lets visitors select their own groceries. Bring photo ID and proof of service-area residency. Free services; households can visit the food shelf regularly based on need. Serves multiple suburban cities.

763-529-1350 · 1220 Zane Ave N, Golden Valley, MN 55422 · Mon-Fri 10am-3pm · Visit Website

15. Neighbors Inc – Food Shelf — Free

Free groceries, emergency meals, clothing closet, and social services for residents of South St. Paul, West St. Paul, Inver Grove Heights, Lilydale, Mendota, Mendota Heights, and Sunfish Lake from the Grand Avenue West campus. Shopping-style food shelf; bring photo ID and proof of service-area residency. Free services; households may visit regularly based on need. Also offers holiday assistance programs.

651-455-5000 · 222 Grand Ave W, South St. Paul, MN 55075 · Mon-Fri 9am-4pm

16. Great Plains Food Bank – MN Service Area — Free

Regional food bank serving counties in western Minnesota in addition to North Dakota, distributing food to a network of partner pantries, meal programs, and mobile distributions from the Fargo-area headquarters. Direct clients should use the online locator to find partner pantries in their Minnesota county. Free services at partner sites; documentation requirements vary but most accept minimal intake.

701-232-6219 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

17. Mankato Area Food Shelf — Free

Emergency food assistance for families in Greater Mankato and Blue Earth County from the North Riverfront Drive location. Shopping-style food shelf; visitors select their own groceries. Bring photo ID and proof of service-area residency. Free services; households can visit based on need guidelines. Supported by United Way; also coordinates holiday meal programs and back-to-school food events.

507-345-8818 · 700 N Riverfront Dr, Mankato, MN 56001 · Mon-Thu 9am-3pm · Visit Website

Food Assistance — Common Questions

How do I apply for SNAP?: Apply through your state's Department of Human Services — online, in person, or by phone. Approval for basic cases can happen in 30 days; expedited SNAP is available within 7 days for households in severe need. Bring ID, proof of income, rent/mortgage, and utilities.
Can I use a food bank without applying?: Yes. Most food banks and pantries don't require income verification, ID, or applications for initial visits. Feeding America's online locator (feedingamerica.org) finds nearby pantries by ZIP code. Most pantries let you visit once or twice a month.
Are custodial fathers eligible for WIC?: Yes. WIC covers custodial parents (including fathers and grandparents) of children under 5, and breastfeeding or postpartum mothers. It's commonly assumed to be mother-only — it isn't. Apply at your local WIC clinic. Income limit is 185% of the Federal Poverty Level.
What is summer food service?: USDA's Summer Food Service Program feeds children 18 and under during school breaks. No application required — kids just show up at a participating site (schools, parks, libraries). Text FOOD to 304-304 to find a nearby site, or call 211.