Minnesota’s Bold Steps to Fight Childhood Hunger

In the past couple of years, Minnesota has made major strides to ensure that no child in our state goes hungry. Through innovative policies, the state has set a new standard for child nutrition, becoming a leader in demonstrating a commitment to the wellbeing of its youngest residents. 

The summer season is always a heightened time of need for families with kids. Schools play a critical role in providing consistent nutrition for children, so there is increased uncertainty for families fighting hunger during the summer months while school is out. We also know that ensuring no child in our state goes hungry requires solutions throughout the calendar year. 

One of the biggest achievements in Minnesota’s recent legislative history is the 2023 passing of universal school meals. This groundbreaking policy — led by The Food Group’s policy team, who co-chaired the Hunger-Free Schools Coalition to pass the legislation — guarantees that every child in the state has access to free breakfast and lunch at school, regardless of their family’s income. By removing the stigma often associated with free and reduced-price meals and ensuring consistent access to nutritious foods, free school meals for all supports students in their physical health and academic performance, and also helps to foster a more inclusive and equitable lunchroom.   

Another significant step forward for Minnesota was the introduction of the permanent Child Income Tax Credit — also passed in 2023 thanks to the leadership of our partners at Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid and Children’s Defense Fund MN — to provide financial relief to families with children. This credit helps to alleviate some of the financial pressures that families face, allowing them to more easily provide things like nutritious foods for their kids. When families were surveyed on how this credit has helped their households, they reported food as the number one thing they used the additional support for. The Child Income Tax Credit is a critical part of Minnesota’s broader strategy to become the best state in the country to raise children and helps reduce child poverty across the state.

Recognizing that food insecurity doesn’t take a summer vacation, Minnesota also passed funding for the Summer EBT program during the 2024 legislative session. This program provides $120 per child to low-income families that can be used to purchase SNAP-eligible food items during the summer. By extending support to families beyond the school year, we are directly addressing the “summer nutrition gap,” during which many children face increased food insecurity. With Summer EBT, we can significantly improve children’s health and well-being year-round. Learn more about Minnesota’s Summer EBT program here. 

What’s Next?

While Minnesota’s investments in children have been transformative, it’s important to recognize that other vulnerable populations, particularly seniors, also require our attention and support. In recent years, The Food Group’s policy team has worked to pass legislation to increase the minimum SNAP benefit level for seniors. Right now, a senior on SNAP could be receiving just $24 a month in food support. When faced with record high food costs, that is simply not sufficient to help senior citizens get the nutritious foods they need. Unfortunately, the bill did not pass this year, but our commitment to the senior population remains. 

Many seniors face unique challenges, including fixed incomes and high medical expenses, which can make affording healthy food difficult. The proposed increase in the minimum SNAP benefit for seniors is a crucial step toward ensuring that older adults have access to adequate nutrition.

As we celebrate the significant progress made supporting Minnesota’s children, we must also redouble our efforts to address the needs of seniors in our state. We know our state can lead the way in innovative and compassionate policies for children, and we will continue to fight for a  Minnesota where no one goes hungry — and where every individual, regardless of age, is supported and cared for.