Cash and Food Programs

Looking for SNAP? 

SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Program assistance is a county-run, federal program administered through the U.S. Department of Agriculture that helps Minnesotans with low incomes get the food that's needed for sound nutrition and well-balanced meals.  The program issues electronic food support benefits that can be used to purchase allowable food items from participating grocers.

How to Apply

There are many ways you can get an application to apply. We strongly recommend you contact our office to be screened for potential eligibility for assistance programs. You would need to complete an application, have an interview, and provide all required verification for a determination of eligibility to be made.

• The options are as follows: Visit our office to complete an application. 
• Call the office at 320-269-6401 and one can be mailed to you.   
• NO English 
• 320-269-6401 or 877-450-6401.
• Apply online at MNbenefits.MN.Gov
• Print an application from the MNBenefits site (directly linked below also)

Combined Application for SNAP and Cash Assistance Programs - English Language Version (PDF)

Combined Application for SNAP and Cash Assistance Programs - Spanish Language Version (PDF)

There are several cash programs available for individuals in need, based on qualifying factors.

Diversionary Work Program (DWP)

DWP is a four month program that provides services and supports to eligible families to help them move immediately to work rather than go on public assistance. The four months of DWP do not count towards the 60-month lifetime limit for the MFIP program, the state's Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. Failure to meet employment service requirements may result in termination of your DWP.Minnesota.

Family Investment Program (MFIP)

MFIP is Minnesota's program that assists low-income families with children to economic stability through work. The MFIP grant includes a cash grant, food assistance; there may also be employment services requirements and eligibility for child care assistance. Parents must meet employment service requirements or their MFIP grant will be reduced.

General Assistance (GA)

GA is a cash program for single adults with no minor children living in the home. This program helps Minnesotans with little or no income meet their basic needs. It offers a small monthly cash grant to people with serious illnesses, disabilities, or other issues that limit their ability to work. GA is "interim aid" to help while other sources of income are put in place such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Retirement, Survivors and Disability Insurance (RSDI)

Minnesota Supplemental Aid (MSA) 

MSA provides monthly cash support to help meet basic living expenses, such as clothing, utilities, housing, or special medical diets. It is mainly for people who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Group Residential Housing (GRH)

Group Residential Housing (GRH): GRH is a monthly payment directly to a facility. It pays for room and board for some people who cannot live in their own home. GRH is for people who are age 65 and older, disabled and age 18 and older, blind or unable to work.

Crisis Funds

Emergency help for families (with minor children or pregnant woman) that can provide short-term help for qualifying people faced with an unexpected emergency expense, such as an eviction or utility disconnect. If you meet the program requirements, Crisis Funds can only be issued once in a 3-year period.

Emergency General Assistance

Emergency help for adults that can provide short-term help for qualifying people faced with an unexpected emergency expense, such as an eviction or utility disconnect. If you meet the program requirements, EGA can only be issued once in a 12-month period.

Contact our office to apply for Emergency Assistance

Chippewa County Family Services

Phone: 320-269-6401

Fax: 320-269-6405

Local Food Shelves & Minnesota Food Resources

• Emergency Food Shelf Network Phone: 763-450-3860
• Minnesota Food Helpline: 888-711-1151
• Prairie 5 Food Shelf - 320-269-6578
• Fare for All
• Hunger Solutions Website
• Second Harvest Heartland Website