Hennepin County braces for federal cuts to food assistance programs
Hennepin County commissioners heard budget presentations on October 24 for human services and health programs totaling $1.46 billion in 2026, with officials warning of significant challenges ahead from anticipated federal funding cuts to food assistance and other safety net programs.
The Human Services Department presented a $846.1 million budget for 2026, a slight 0.5% reduction from 2025. The budget includes a 6% reduction in full-time staff positions through attrition rather than layoffs. However, the most pressing concern dominating the meeting was the looming impact of federal cuts to SNAP (food stamps), WIC (nutrition assistance for mothers and children), and MFIP (Minnesota Family Investment Program). Staff outlined that approximately 92,000 county residents currently receive SNAP benefits alone, making potential federal reductions a crisis for vulnerable populations.
County officials described the situation as involving "known unknowns"—federal policy changes whose exact impact depends on how Minnesota's state government chooses to respond. To prepare, the department is establishing an incident command structure for crisis management, improving technology systems for benefit applications, and pursuing state legislative advocacy to secure additional support. Commissioners expressed frustration with federal policies, with Commissioner Heather Edson stating the crisis appears "by design" and intended to shift responsibility for food assistance to religious institutions.
The Health Line of Business presented a $611 million budget, a 33% increase primarily driven by higher enrollment in Hennepin Health, the county's health plan. The Medical Examiner's office reported encouraging news: drug-related deaths have declined since peaking in 2023, though they remain 80% higher than nine years ago due to the fentanyl crisis. North Point Health and Wellness Center highlighted success in addressing health disparities, including a program that achieved 100% healthy births among 35 Black women—significant given that Black women face three to four times higher pregnancy-related mortality rates.
Public Health officials warned of another federal challenge: the CDC is reducing support for disease surveillance and population health data collection. This means Hennepin County and Minnesota will need to fill gaps previously covered by federal funding. Both budget hearings were informational only, with no votes taken. County officials emphasized their commitment to core safety net services while seeking financial sustainability and state support to weather the anticipated federal funding reductions.
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Votes (2)
2026 Proposed Human Services Budget Hearing
The human services department presented its 2026 budget, totaling $846.1 million, a slight reduction from the previous year. The budget includes a 6% reduction in full-time equivalent positions (FTEs) through attrition. Extensive discussion focused on the impending federal cuts to SNAP, WIC, and MFIP, with staff outlining both immediate operational responses (like an incident command structure for application processing) and long-term strategic plans (including state legislative advocacy and maximizing Medicaid reimbursements). Commissioners voiced strong concerns about the impact on vulnerable residents and the need for greater state support, particularly given the 'known unknowns' of federal policy changes. The department emphasized its commitment to core safety net services, including addressing homelessness, youth mental health, and food security, while striving for financial sustainability and optimizing revenue. Technology improvements for benefit applications were also discussed.
2026 Proposed Health Line of Business Budget Hearing
The Health Line of Business presented its 2026 proposed budget of $611 million, noting a 33% increase mainly due to higher Hennepin Health enrollment. The Medical Examiner's office reported stable case numbers and encouraging declines in homicides and drug-related deaths since 2023, while highlighting ongoing efforts for missing persons cases and data accessibility. North Point Health and Wellness Center shared achievements like 100% healthy births in a Black women's program, increased clinical revenue, and reduced uninsured patients, emphasizing workforce stability and community-centered care. Public Health detailed its commitment to resiliency, prevention, and addressing disparities, including HIV prevention efforts. A key challenge identified was the decreased federal support for CDC activities, requiring local public health to step up in areas like disease surveillance and data collection, reinforcing the need for community trust and local capacity building.
Notable Quotes (9)
Today, we continue the conversation around budgets and the ways we connect our diverse work to our organizational priorities of disparity elimination and climate action.
The human services 2026 proposed operations budget is 846.1 million. This is a 0.5% or 4.6 million reduction from the 2025 adjusted operating budget.
There are known unknowns. Um there are ways in which uh federal legislation impacts how state operate, how our states operate our safety net programs. It is going to be up to the the state government, the legislature and our state agencies to decide how they comply with those cuts and that impacts us.
So the um uh immediate what we call our our SNAP standalone food assistance is about 92,000 uh current active uh individuals.
I think the crisis moment that we're in is by design. I mean, the reality is is what I think this overarching theme is is let's push people back to relying on religious institutions to get their food.
on the operating budget, I just want to highlight that overall we have a $611 million budget for this line of business. It's a 33% increase. The main driver is really Henipin Health and that is due to increased enrollment.
In 2023, drugrelated deaths peaked, but since then have been on a downward trend both in Henipin County and nationally. Still, drugrelated fatalities in Henipin County are 80% higher than nine years ago when the rise in synthetic opioid overdoses, and by that we really mean fentanyl, began.
Our culturally responsive, healthy pregnancy program achieved 100% healthy births among 35 black women. This is significant when black women are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy related causes regardless of income or education.
We are also preparing for an increased need for state and local government to provide previous CDC activities such as disease surveillance, population health data, and health recommendations. With changes in federal priorities, functions states and local public health agencies have counted on now now no longer are being supported at the federal level.
Ordinances & Resolutions (15)
The central document being discussed during the budget hearings for Human Services and Health Line of Business.
The approved maximum property tax levy increase adopted by the county board.
Used as a reference point for comparing the proposed 2026 budget figures.
Original budget adopted for 2025, used for comparison.
Federal legislation that passed over the summer, making changes to the SNAP program, including work requirements.
A legacy IT system used for SNAP/MIP benefits, which staff are working to integrate with a new web front-end.
The state's online application for benefits, noted for its flaws and a source of frustration for residents and staff.
Public Health's new plan launching in January 2026 to improve mental health access and basic needs.
Public Health's assessment informing the Community Health Improvement Plan.
A state-level advisory council where Hennepin County participates to reform the waiver system for supporting residents with disabilities.
Minnesota Department of Health's Women, Infants, and Children food supports program.
A program mentioned for HIV prevention and care, with participants being housed by Healthcare for the Homeless.
North Point's health record system, with enhancements including full dental integration into Epic.
The specific electronic health record system used by North Point.
A survey that Public Health will be implementing in 2026.
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Other Topics from This Document
Health Line of Business 2026 Proposed Budget
Impact of Federal Funding Cuts and Response Strategies
Technology and Innovation in Human Services
Fund Balance and Financial Sustainability
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