Minnesota is sending $4 million in emergency funding to food shelves as officials brace for federal food assistance benefits to run out because of the government shutdown. DFL Gov. Tim Walz and state officials stressed Monday that the allocation is a stopgap that will only help temporarily.

More than 440,000 Minnesotans are set to lose food assistance from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Saturday at midnight, and food shelves across the state are preparing for an unprecedented wave of need.

This funding aims to support the 440,000 Minnesotans set to lose Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Minnesota Family Investment Program benefits starting November 1.

In Hennepin County, 110,000 recipients receive an average of $180 in SNAP benefits per month, which officials say is about $20 million of federal disbursements each month.

With the shutdown threatening to disrupt federal food assistance programs, food banks across the country are scrambling to help people in need.

While some in the Trump administration say food benefits could restart as soon as this Wednesday, the uncertainty is stressful for Minnesotans who rely on them and food shelves in the state.

Governor Walz visits Eagan food shelf Monday, announcing $4 million for hunger relief amid federal shutdown concerns affecting 440,000 Minnesotans relying on SNAP and MFIP assistance.

The University of Minnesota is preparing for increased food insecurity on campus as potential lapses and reductions in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program payments occur in November.  In an email