Wedge Community Co-ops and Co-op Partners Warehouse Statement on SNAP Benefits Cuts
Our co-op understands there’s a possibility SNAP and other government assistance programs may be temporarily inaccessible or reduced on or after November 1st. For those who rely on these programs to access groceries, even a short disruption can mean difficult choices about food, bills, and other essentials.
This affects not only our shoppers but also our staff. Food insecurity is a shared reality across our communities—and some of the people who make the co-op run every day are also navigating the same challenges. We can show care through our actions toward each other by being understanding, patient, and connected.
This is an important time to show kindness and compassion to our neighbors, and with staff and volunteers at food pantries and community organizations distributing food for free or low cost. Many of these organizations are already working at capacity and will likely face even higher demand if benefits are delayed or reduced. A little patience and kindness can go a long way.
Together, we can uphold our cooperative values by centering compassion, equity, and community when and where it’s needed most.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
- Donate – funds or food to your local food shelf. $1 can equal up to $10 in purchasing power, so consider a cash donation. Please check websites for current most urgent needs.
- Shop at the Wedge during November 5 – December 2, when many of our Field Day products are on sale. All organic, always at an everyday low price, but more savings during the month. Stock up your pantry and purchase a few extra items to donate to the Wedge In-Store Food Drive. Look for donation bins in our stores.
- Round up at the registers in November. Along with your food drive donations, all round ups will go to Groveland Food Shelf.
- Call your elected officials and ask them to protect November SNAP Benefits. You can contact your elected officials by calling the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at (202) 244-3121 and tell them your address. You can also look up your legislators on US and scroll down the page to find the look-up tool.
- Suggested language for your call: My name is _____ and I am one of your constituents in ________ district in Minnesota. I am deeply concerned that my neighbors will not have enough food to eat due to the SNAP cuts. Please urge the USDA Secretary to release funds available to USDA in the SNAP Contingency Reserve to be used to fund November SNAP benefits.
- These calls make an impact!
IF YOU NEED HELP
For those experiencing hunger, we have gathered some resources you may find helpful.
The Food Group/Hunger Solutions has a list and map of organizations in your area that provide food and other resources: The Food Group. MN Food Helpline can provide connection to resources: MN Food Helpline . You can call or text 1-888-711-1151, use the chat feature, or fill out this form to contact us. HelpLine Hours: Monday-Friday 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Other food shelves and food resources
VEAP Food Shelf (Edina, Bloomington, Richfield, South Minneapolis)
The Co-op Affordability Project (CAP) is a program at the Wedge to make shopping at the co-op more accessible to more of our community. We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to join a neighborhood co-op. If you are enrolled in WIC, SNAP, SSDI/SSI, Section 8 Housing, Refugee Cash Assistance, Medical Assistance (Medicaid), or Minnesota Care, you are eligible to become a member for an initial investment of just $10. CAP owners receive a 10% everyday discount, applied automatically at the register. In addition to the 10% daily discount, CAP owners receive monthly 5% off coupons. Sign up at Customer Service!