An India Association of Minnesota (IAM) initiative to support Minnesotans impacted by recent reductions in SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits.
Why we’re doing this:
Over 440,000 Minnesotans rely on SNAP—including 152,000 children, veterans, and rural families. Recent legislation and the uncertainties under the government shutdown/reopening have significantly reduced SNAP benefits, putting additional strain on vulnerable communities.
Government has reopened and SNAP is funded through Sep 2026. However, Food insecurity will remain a large issue as:
- Federal funding has been reduced by over $187B
- Expanded and stricter eligibility requirements
- Increased costs to State
- Reduced benefits access
All these will continue to put tremendous stress on the community food shelves in meeting demand.
The average cost per meal from SNAP is approximately $2.84, but this is 57 cents less than the national average cost of a modestly priced meal, which is $3.41. This results in a monthly shortfall of $53.01 for households that receive the maximum benefit, and the gap is even wider in urban areas. In 2024, the maximum SNAP benefit did not cover the cost of a modestly priced meal in 99% of U.S. counties, even after the cost-of-living adjustment.
How you can help:
IAM is partnering with regional organizations across Minnesota to supply emergency relief through monetary donations that directly help those impacted.
Every contribution, big or small, helps ensure that no Minnesotan goes hungry.
If you want to donate on behalf of the organization you are representing, please check the box in Zeffy and provide us the name of the organization.
You may also donate directly to IAM (instead of using the Zeffy link), especially if your organization offers donation matching. Please use our Tax ID or EIN Number: 23-7364647
100% of the funds raised go to the below listed beneficiaries, whom our team has carefully vetted under different categories.
Watch this space for updates on partner organizations, impact stories, and ways you can get involved!
Our Partners in this initiative so far:
- Sehgal Foundation
- Autism Sibs Universe
- MN Malayalee Association (MMA)
- School of India for Languages and Cultures (SILC)
- Science of Spirituality (SoS)
- Hindu Society of MN (HSMN)
- Bengali Association of MN(BAM)
- Science of Spirituality (SoS)
- Telugu Association of MN (TEAM)
- Kala Vandanam
- Riya Patel Foundation
- Twin Cities Tamil Association (TCTA)
- Bihar & Jharkhand Association of MN (BJAMN)
- Rajasthan Association of Midwest
- Indian Cultural Association of MN (ICAM), Rochester
- RGK Dance Academy
- Minnesota Hindu Milan Mandir (MHMM)
- Indus Music
- Kerala Hindus of MN (KHMN)
- Oikotan
