 On Monday, Governor Walz visited The Open Door Pantry in Eagan to announce $4 million in new funding for Minnesota food shelves. Funding will provide relief as 440,000 Minnesotans face the loss of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) grocery benefits. A court order provides temporary relief to states nationwide and directs the United States Department of Agriculture to report to the court on Monday the amount of funding that is available in the federal SNAP contingency fund and other sources, for November benefits. The timing of benefit release, however, will be contingent on release of the funds.
“Food shelves provide a refuge for hundreds of thousands of Minnesotans. Yet the Trump Administration has chosen to cut off these critical benefits that keep families from going hungry,” said Governor Walz. “But if Washington won’t lead, Minnesota will. This funding will serve as a lifeline to help Minnesotans weather the storm.”
SNAP and MFIP grocery benefits provide vital support for Minnesotans across all 87 Minnesota counties and Tribal Nations. Of the 440,000 Minnesotans accessing SNAP and MFIP benefits, 36% are children, and 18% are seniors.
Governor Walz announced that for the second year in a row, Minnesota saw a drop in overdose deaths and hospitalizations. Overdose deaths decreased 26%, from 2023 to 2024, while hospital-treated nonfatal overdoses decreased 19%. These decreases were seen in nearly every region of the state and across demographics.
“This is incredible progress and a testament to the shared goals, dedication, and overdose prevention efforts happening across Minnesota,” said Governor Walz. “Together, we’re saving lives and showing what’s possible when we meet this crisis with compassion and action. This is measurable progress, and we’re going to keep working to save lives.”
 Governor Walz announced that Minnesota has been named one of the top states in the nation for jobs, according to a new report from WalletHub. Minnesota ranked third overall and placed top ten for median annual income, economic environment, and job market. The report also named Minnesota the fifth-best state for working parents.
“Amid national economic insecurity, Minnesota is among the best states in the nation for job seekers looking for good benefits, a diverse economy, and a decent wage,” said Governor Walz. “We’re seeing the results of years of collaboration between state government, businesses, and the hard-working Minnesotans who make up our economy.”
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