2025 Legislative Recap

The 2025 Minnesota legislative session wrapped up this week with critical wins in the fight to end hunger in Minnesota. Advocates faced an uphill battle this year due to delays, division, and a somber budget forecast, but we still gained significant ground for food-insecure Minnesotans.  

Rising Need and A Challenging Fiscal Climate 

The Food Group recorded a record-breaking 9 million food shelf visits in 2024. Rising food costs, federal uncertainty, and looming cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program threaten to push more Minnesotans into food insecurity and further strain limited state resources.  

At the same time, budget forecasting showed a much larger budget deficit than expected. Legislators focused on closing the gap, forcing advocates to adjust their strategy. The Food Group and Partners to End Hunger continued to push for our priorities despite resources being tighter than we hoped.  

Fireworks and Delays  

The legislative session kicked off with major fireworks and delays. Democrats boycotted the session, awaiting the outcome of a favorable special election that would give them the majority. They returned in early February after a power sharing agreement was reached. The session ended without consensus for most committees’ budget bills, and a special session was called on June 10 to pass the final budget.  

How We Mobilized for Change 

Despite the hurdles, The Food Group and Partners to End Hunger Coalition secured key victories for Minnesotans experiencing food insecurity. None of these wins would be possible without the passionate advocacy of food shelves, community members, and legislative champions.  

The Food Group’s Lived Experience Leadership Cohort also played an integral role with 5 members testifying in support of our policy initiatives. Lisa, a Lived Experience Cohort member shared:  

Here’s a look at The Food Group’s policy priorities. 

$5 Million in Food Shelf Funding for the Biennium 

We secured a one-time investment of $5 million in funding for Minnesota food shelves for the biennium—a remarkable victory for frontline food shelves in the current fiscal climate. 

With growing need and rising food costs, state investment in food shelves is more critical than ever. More than 170 food shelves signed a letter in support of increased food shelf funding this year. Mi Casa, a food shelf partner of The Food Group, said:  

This victory will make a tangible difference for Minnesotans facing hunger. Rick, a Lived Experience Leadership Cohort member, testified:  

Food shelves still need sustained funding, and we’ll continue the fight in 2026.   

Fresh Bucks Program Received Hearings; Market Bucks Moves to Minnesota Department of Health 

The Food Group sought $1 million to expand Market Bucks and increase access to healthy food by offering a 50% discount to SNAP customers at grocery stores and other retail settings. We were thrilled to receive a hearing, but Fresh Bucks was not included in the final budget. However, Market Bucks found a new home with the Minnesota Department of Health, ensuring the program’s long-term stability.  

SNAP Benefit Increase for Seniors Bill Received Hearing 

Knowing that older adults are vulnerable to food insecurity, The Food Group advocated to increase the monthly SNAP benefit from a mere $23 to $50 for seniors ages 60 and older. We received a hearing in the Senate, but the bill did not move forward due to the budget outlook. We’ll continue advocating in 2026.  

The Minnesota Partners to End Hunger Coalition  

The Food Group is chair of The Minnesota Partner to End Hunger Coalition, a statewide network of service providers and advocates working to end hunger in Minnesota. Responding to statewide need and federal uncertainty, the coalition worked together to keep hunger at the top of legislators’ priority list and advocate for crucial funding and policies to strengthen Minnesota’s food system. Here’s a look at the collective wins: 

• Secured $5 million in one-time funding for food banks to distribute free food to food shelves statewide.  

• Secured $1 million in one-time funding for prepared medically tailored meals, providing much-needed food to thousands of Minnesotans in need.  

• Added an additional $300,000 for Farm to School and Early Care, expanding access to fresh, local food across the state.  

• Preserved funding for Hunger-Free Campus funding in the higher education bill.  

Thank you to all members of the Minnesota Partners to End Hunger Coalition for your tireless advocacy!

Minnesota Invests in Local Food Purchasing Assistance Program 

We were also delighted to see Minnesota invest in a state-funded Local Food Purchasing Assistance Program (LFPA), which supports local farmers and increases access to locally grown food in the emergency food system.

Thank You for Standing with Us! 

We are so proud of everything we accomplished together in 2025. The Food Group Director of Advocacy and Community Engagement, Rachel Holmes shared:  

Looking forward, The Food Group Executive Director Sophia Lenarz-Coy added: