As of November 1, 2025, millions of Americans—including many older Minnesotans—may not receive their monthly food benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. If you are facing food insecurity, know that help is available.
Newly released AARP caregiving data, Caregiving in the U.S. 2025: Caring Across States, finds that one in five adults (21%) in Minnesota are family caregivers, providing largely unpaid and unsupported care to older parents, spouses, and other loved ones.
Minnesotans who have been defrauded now have a better chance of financial recovery, thanks to a new bipartisan law championed by AARP Minnesota. The Consumer Fraud Restitution Fund, the first of its kind in the nation, was signed into law in 2025 with strong bipartisan support. This innovative fund will help victims of fraud recover lost money—especially in cases where scammers are untraceable or bankrupt.
Marie Knapp knows what it’s like to be lonesome. As someone who has moved frequently, she has felt what she calls “the sting of loneliness” that comes with a new town. Born in Haiti and adopted by a couple from the United States, Marie spent her childhood moving around Michigan with her family, who often had to relocate for her dad’s job. Once Marie graduated from high school, she continued to move—Georgia, Mississippi, Ghana, and Jamaica, among many other locations. Upon moving to Minneapolis in 2015, Marie decided to get to know her new community by reaching out to seniors who are at risk of the isolation and loneliness like she’d felt before.
Celebrate Black History Month and get up to 25% off membership dues plus a free gift when you Join or Renew with AARP. Membership comes with immediate access to all the perks and benefits that help you and your family thrive.
AARP Minnesota is distributing wallet cards to help families understand their rights under a new state law. The Caregiver Advise, Record and Enable (CARE) Act, which takes effect Jan. 1, will provide training and support for family caregivers when a loved one comes home from a hospital stay.
There are nearly 600,000 family caregivers in Minnesota who are taking care of an adult relative, spouse or friend. There are even more who are caring for children or grandchildren and most of these unsung heroes are doing so while working, raising families and trying to save for their kids college or their own retirement. And most are doing so without basic workplace protections. In fact, only 13 percent of Minnesota workers have paid family and medical leave through their employers. AARP Minnesota believes it’s time for a common-sense solution that allows Minnesotans to work and care for their families.