Due to the loss of SNAP benefits during the federal government shutdown, the Grand Portage Band has implemented the following services to ensure our community continues to have access to essential food support during this time.
- Note that this is an emergency response to the temporary suspension of federal benefits and is not a permanent change to existing programs.
- Because resources are limited and the duration of the shutdown is unknown, eligibility requirements will be enforced for certain food support programs.
- Community members are encouraged to first contact their local County Human Services office and, if possible, to utilize available county and state resources before requesting Tribal assistance.
- The Cook County Food Resource Guide has a comprehensive list of available supports in the county.
$150 Food Access via Amazon
A one-time $150 online food benefit for households of Grand Portage Band members impacted by the SNAP freeze. Items are ordered on Amazon and shipped directly to households.
Eligibility:
– All households in which an enrolled Band member, eligible for SNAP reside (one per household)
– Must submit a completed application
– Must provide documentation of current SNAP participation
– Available to Band Members living anywhere (nationwide)
– Funds can be used only on pre-approved food items (no non-food purchases)
– Formula and baby food are included among the eligible food items
– Local residents will be limited to shelf-stable foods due to regional availability; residents in larger cities may have access to fresh foods.
Contact:
foodsupport@grandportage.com or
Jean Spry at (218) 475-2821
M-F 8am-4:30 pm
Or download a printable paper copy of the application here.
Food Shelf at Human Services
Our local food shelf providing emergency food supplies. Additional food has been ordered to meet increased need during the SNAP freeze.
Eligibility: Open to all community members.
Contact:
Jacki Kozlowski, Human Services Director, at (218) 475-2171 or
Jessica Smith, Human Services Receptionist at (218) 475-2453
Soup & Fry Bread Community Dinner Nights
Community meal nights hosted by the CACHE Committee at the Log School. Hot soups, stews, and fry bread offered for community connection and food support.
When: Wednesdays November 5, 12, and 19 from 5 – 7PM
Eligibility: Open to all community members.
Contact:
Emily Derke at ederke@grandportage.com
Local Harvest: Bison and Fish
Bison will be harvested in early November and Trust Lands will provide fresh fish. Dates and distribution details to be provided.
Eligibility: Open to all community members; priority to those accessing food shelf services.
Contact:
Jared Swader, Tribal Planner/Bison Herd Manager, (218) 475-2809
Elderly Nutrition Program
Daily prepared meals available at the ENP. For meal planning, please call the ENP by 9am to sign up for lunch.
Eligibility: Open to all community members.
Contact:
Elderly Nutrition Program (218) 475-2655
Grocery Store Gift Cards
Human Services and Head Start have a limited number of Johnson’s Food Cards for larger families in need.
Eligibility:
– Available to Grand Portage families affected by the SNAP freeze
– Distribution may vary by family size and level of need.
– Food Cards at Head Start are limited to Head Start families
Contact:
Jacki Kozlowski, Human Services Director, at (218) 475-2171
Jessica Smith, Human Services Receptionist at (218) 475-2453
Amber Swader, Head Start Family Partnerships Coordinator at (218) 475-2006
Federal Food Distribution Program
Federally funded USDA program providing commodity foods to eligible households. Currently operating as usual.
Eligibility: Must meet federal income and household criteria
IMPORTANT:
According to State and Federal program requirements, households cannot participate in both SNAP and Food Distribution during the same month. Doing so could result in losing benefits from both programs. SNAP recipients wishing to temporarily switch to Food Distribution will need to close SNAP account and reapply for SNAP once it becomes available again.
Contact:
Food Distribution Program (218) 475-2480