Food Support

The Food Support program provides electronic benefits that can be used like money to buy food. Single people and families with or without children may participate in the Food Support program. Your income determines the benefit level.

The Food Support program is a county-run, federal program that helps low-income households to get the food needed for sound nutrition and well-balanced meals. The program issues electronic benefit transfers (EBTs) that can help stretch a family's food budget when there is not enough money to buy food. The Food Support program is not intended to meet all of your food budget needs.

The Food Support program benefits can be spent like cash in most food stores. They can be used to buy food or plants and seeds to grow food for your household to eat. They cannot be used to buy non-food items (such as paper products or household and personal hygiene supplies), alcoholic drinks, tobacco products, vitamins and drugs, pet foods, foods eaten in the store, or hot, ready-to-eat "deli" food.

These facts will help you decide if you want to apply for the Food Support program, but they do not cover all program rules. You may want to apply even if you think you may not be eligible. The Stearns County Human Services office must have all the facts about your situation before a final decision can be made on your request to participate in the Food Support program.  For specific eligibility information, go to the State of Minnesota Department of Human Services website. 

How can I apply? 

You may obtain a Food Support program application (Combined Application Form) by making a request in one of the following ways:

  • Mail your request to Stearns County Human Services, P.O. Box 1107, St. Cloud, MN 56302-1107.
  • Call Stearns County Human Services at 320.656.6000 or 1.800.450.3663.
  • Stop by the Stearns County Human Services office at 705 Courthouse Square, St. Cloud (the Administration Center), at the second floor "Front Desk.”
  • Stop by the Melrose branch office of Stearns County Human Services at 114 South 1st Avenue West, Melrose. 320.256.3308.

         Download the Combined Application Form from the DHS website