Social Services

Financial Services - Food Support

The Food Support is a program designed to assist low-income persons and families so they can purchase food and better meet their nutritional needs. The program is not intended to supply all of a person's or family's food needs. Instead, it supplements those needs while the person or family makes an effort to become self-supporting.

Monthly benefits are distributed through Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT), a card system similar to a debit card. At the beginning of the month, recipients' EBT accounts are credited with the amount of benefits they are eligible for. During the month, recipients use their cards to purchase food at enrolled grocery stores. The EBT card is then swiped through a "point of sale" terminal and the purchases are deducted from the account balance.

Food support benefits are for:

  • Single people
  • Families with or without children.
  • Your eligibility and the amount of food support received is determined by your income and assets.

A Food Support Screening tool is available to help determine if you may be eligible for the Food Support Program:

For complete Food Support information and to find out if you're eligible, visit the Minnesota Department of Human Services.

How to Apply

Download an application form PDF or pick one up from our office.

Along with the completed application, you need an interview. Interviews are held:

  • Morning: Monday, Tuesday, & Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. (paperwork must be filled out by 9:30 a.m.)
  • Afternoon: Monday, Tuesday, & Thursday 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. (paperwork must be filled out by 2:30 p.m.)

You will need to bring proof of who you are, where you live, and other information about your family, your income, and what you own.

Social Services Contact:

Sherburne County Govt Center
ATTN: Social Services
13880 Business Center Dr NW
Elk River, MN 55330-1692

Office Location & Hours

Phone: 763-765-4000
800-433-5239
Fax: 763-765-4096

hhs@co.sherburne.mn.us