In a move prompted by the ongoing federal government shutdown, the City of Bloomington is stepping up to support the food access needs of nearly 8,000 residents who depend on federal food assistance programs. According to a report from the City of Bloomington's website, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) are temporarily unfunded, with no disbursals slated for November until the shutdown concludes or guidance is provided by the federal government. The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), although currently operational, is projected to deplete its reserve funds by December.
Mayor Tim Busse has emphasized the critical role these programs play, particularly for infants requiring special formula. "Bloomington Public Health currently provides formula to more than 200 infants enrolled in WIC, including nearly 90 infants who need medical formula to meet their specific nutritional needs," Busse underlined the urgency, as obtained by the City of Bloomington's news release. The city's intervention includes a $250,000 grant from City Council funds reallocated to support local food assistance initiatives and donation drives led by the city's emergency services.
Financial contributions and food donations are being solicited by the city to bolster the efforts of community organizations like VEAP Food Pantry. "A $1 donation allows us to buy $10 worth of food," shared Caley Long, VEAP's marketing and communications director, in the statement released by the City of Bloomington, highlighting the amplified impact of monetary support. Residents are encouraged to donate at various collection points across Bloomington, with details provided on the city's official website.
The current beneficiaries of SNAP and MFIP tally up to about 6,000, while WIC serves almost 1,700 people in Bloomington. With jobs scarce due to the shutdown, even workers who are reliant on SNAP benefits as a wage supplement or unemployment aid have been affected. The city has directed those in need to Hunger Solutions’ Find Help map and FindHelp.org for emergency food assistance, aside from the Minnesota Food HelpLine. Mayor Busse expressed confidence in the spirit of Bloomington's community, "The needs are extraordinary, but so are the households and businesses in Bloomington. Together, each of our individual efforts, will ensure Bloomington is an enduring and remarkable community where people want to be," as he told their publication.
