Rules & Regulations of Getting Food Stamps in Minnesota

Food stamps are intended as a means to deliver food assistance to those in need.veggie stand image by Mat Hayward from Fotolia.com

The state of Minnesota distributes food support (food stamps) administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). People in Minnesota interested in applying to receive food assistance should consult their local governments to find out where they can apply.

Eligible Programs

Food stamps are usually available to people who are already receiving other forms of assistance from government agencies, such as the Supplemental Security Income, General Assistance or Minnesota Supplemental Aid. Recieving Transition Year Child Care and Basic Sliding Fee Child Care assistance may also may grant the recipient food stamps, as is being a member of the Diversionary Work Program or Work Benefit program.

For the period of October 1, 2009, to September 30, 2010, people with an overall net worth of household assets less than $7,000 may also qualify for food stamps. Furthermore, a single-person household with a monthly income of $1,174 before taxes may qualify, as would a two-person household earning $1,579, a three-person household earning $1,984, a four-person household earning $2,389, or a five-person household earning $2,794.

Created in 1998, the Minnesota Food Assistance Program is intended to supply non-U.S. citizens with food stamps. Essentially, the program replaces revoked federal benefits for noncitizens with state-sponsored benefits. U.S. citizens in need of food support are still able to receive food stamps from the federally funded program. This programs is run entirely by the state of Minnesota with no relations with federal food support. To qualify, you must be a noncitizen over the age of 50 and meet all other eligibility requirements for federal food support.