The Open Door Braces for SNAP Pause Impact, Expands Emergency Food Support Across Dakota County
Published: October 31, 2025
EAGAN, MINNESOTA –With more than 440,000 Minnesotans, including over 10,000 Dakota County residents, at risk of losing access to their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in November, The Open Door is preparing for what could be one of the most challenging months in its history.
The Eagan-based nonprofit, which already provides fresh, healthy food to more than 22,000 people each month, is mobilizing a large-scale emergency response to help those affected by both the government shutdown and the anticipated SNAP pause.
Emergency Distributions Begin This Weekend
To meet the surge in need, The Open Door has announced a series of special, temporary “Shutdown Support” food distributions every Saturday in November. The events will provide free, fresh, and healthy produce along with other essential food items — no appointment needed.
When: Saturdays, November 1, 8, 15, and 22
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Where: The Open Door Warehouse, 3000 Ames Crossing Rd., Suite 100, Eagan
(Follow the signs for parking and enter at Door 4.)
The Open Door asks participants to bring their own reusable bags, wagons, or carts if possible, and reminds guests that food may only be picked up for one household per visit to ensure the organization can assist as many people as possible.
“We know that folks are hurting right now, and we know more help is needed,” the organization said. “We are launching an emergency action plan to help those affected by the government shutdown and SNAP pause.”
A Community Steps Up
The nonprofit has already seen an extraordinary wave of community generosity. Last weekend, staff arriving to continue emergency planning found their donation vestibule filled from floor to ceiling with food, paper bags, and emergency “To-Go” bags donated by local residents.
“We are speechless,” The Open Door wrote in a post•BlueSky. “We are urgently asking for help and you all are responding in a BIG way. We can’t begin to express how thankful we are for our community — and we know our clients feel the same way.”
That support, the organization says, will be critical as they continue to serve thousands of families suddenly facing food insecurity.
How to Help Right Now
The Open Door has outlined three key ways community members can get involved during this emergency period:
Volunteer on Saturdays:
Help distribute food at the new Shutdown Support events on November 1, 8, 15, and 22. Tasks are simple, training is provided on-site, and group sign-ups are encouraged. Click here to sign up for a Saturday shift.
Host a “To-Go Bag” Packing Party:
Assemble and drop off Emergency To-Go Bags for families in crisis. Requests for these bags have tripled in recent weeks, both at The Pantry and through partner organizations across Dakota County. Click here to find instructions on how to host your own “To-Go-Bag” Packing Party.
Donate Funds or Food:
Financial gifts remain the most flexible and immediate form of support, allowing The Open Door to act quickly as needs evolve. Residents can also drop off food or paper bags, or check the flyer below for the Top 5 most needed items. To make a monetary donation, click here!
“Truly anything helps,” The Open Door shared. “We’ve seen a threefold increase in Emergency To-Go Bag requests, and donations of those are a huge help for us.”
Hunger Across Dakota County
The Open Door emphasized that the need for food assistance extends across all communities.
“The largest rise in demand for support currently are individuals and families who received SNAP benefits, and Federal Workers who are either laid off or not receiving their paychecks. There is hunger and a need for food assistance in every city and neighborhood in Dakota County - even those people think of as "affluent" have their pockets of poverty.”
The organization’s Mobile Food Program already delivers to 35 sites each month, including apartment complexes, senior living facilities, and schools, a model they hope to expand during the crisis.
Looking Ahead: Adaptability and Unity
While crises like this are unpredictable, The Open Door says its success depends on a culture of flexibility, creativity, and compassion.
“When we planned out our year, we certainly weren’t expecting a government shutdown to cause SNAP benefits to disappear,” the organization explained. “But we’ve built a team and community that know how to act quickly. We’re an organization willing to build the plane while flying.”
“If we face another crisis like this, we’ll do exactly what we’re doing now — ask our community for help, find a way to do more, and get through it together.”
Need Food Assistance?
Anyone in Dakota County who needs help can contact The Open Door directly at (651) 686-0787 or visit one of their programs:
The Pantry in Eagan — groceries and fresh food at no cost
Mobile Food Distributions — serving 35 sites countywide
Drive-Thru Service — pre-packed produce and pantry staples
Mobile Lunchbox — summer meals for students
Garden to Table — eight community gardens helping families grow their own food
“Everyone needs help sometimes,” The Open Door said. “We’re here to make sure that when people reach out, we’re ready to meet them with food, compassion, and dignity.”
Written by: Will Wight
Cover photo credit: The Open Door/Facebook•BlueSky
