Nursery Calls for Community Support Amid SNAP Benefit Uncertainty
MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Following recent court rulings that direct the USDA to use contingency funds for SNAP benefits during the federal shutdown, many Minnesota families are breathing a momentary sigh of relief. Yet the risk of reduced or delayed benefits remains for parents already navigating crisis and food insecurity. Greater Minneapolis Crisis Nursery (GMCN), a nonprofit dedicated to ending child abuse and neglect and creating strong, healthy families, continues to help families access stable food resources and community support during this time.
Governor Tim Walz recently announced that the state will provide one-time emergency funding of $4 million for food shelves across Minnesota. However, that covers only a fraction of the estimated $73 million in federal SNAP funding the state receives each month.
The Nursery’s food program, supported through a combination of community contributions and federal meal reimbursements, ensures that every child in its care receives three nutritious meals and three snacks each day. Staff anticipate that many families will feel the strain of the SNAP interruption.
“While the recent court ruling offers temporary relief, many parents are still facing deep uncertainty about how they’ll provide for their children,” said Mary Pat Lee, Executive Director of Greater Minneapolis Crisis Nursery. “We’re concerned about the ongoing strain on family stability and child well-being across our community and urge continued support for those most impacted.”
The Nursery strengthens families by connecting them to vital resources, caring for children during difficult times, and helping parents set goals that promote stability. Staff assist families in applying for WIC, SNAP, and MFIP benefits and in locating local food shelves that fit their needs for location, hours, and transportation.
As the potential pause or reduction in SNAP takes effect, GMCN expects an increase in requests for food-related assistance, referrals, and navigation support. The organization encourages the community to help sustain its work by donating to the Nursery’s food program and family support services.
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Community members can help by:
Donating grocery gift cards or nonperishable food items:
Gift Cards
Gift cards to Cub Foods, Target, or Walmart are especially helpful for parents purchasing groceries.
Gift cards can be dropped off or mailed to:
Attn: Cora Reeves
Greater Minneapolis Crisis Nursery
4544 4th Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55419
Nonperishable Food
Nonperishable food donations must be dropped off at the same address during donation hours (see below).
Donation Drop-Off Hours:
- Monday–Friday: 8:45 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.
- Saturday–Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Please email Cora Reeves at creeves@crisisnursery.org for donation-related inquiries.
Signing up to volunteer and sharing resources and information with others:
Volunteer and Share Resources
- Volunteering: Sign up at www.crisisnursery.org/volunteer.
- Sharing resources: Direct families in need to the MN Food Help Line (1-888-711-1151) or call 2-1-1 for immediate assistance.
About Greater Minneapolis Crisis Nursery
Greater Minneapolis Crisis Nursery works to end child abuse and neglect and create strong, healthy families. The Nursery provides short-term crisis care, parent advocacy, and connections to essential resources that help families build resilience and move toward self-sufficiency. Every child in care receives three meals and three snacks each day, funded through community support. Since 1983, GMCN has provided more than 200,000 days and nights of care to children in safe, supportive spaces.