SNAP stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, a federal program that helps low‑income households buy food. The SNAP Employment and Training (SNAP E&T) program is a federally funded, state‑run initiative that helps SNAP recipients gain job skills through training and work experience, offering services such as job search assistance, work skills training, transportation support and childcare. The goal of the program is to help SNAP participants move into stable employment and self-sufficiency.
SNAP recipients often face multiple barriers to employment in addition to food insecurity. Many recipients also lack affordable or reliable housing, transportation or childcare. Some may face language barriers or other challenges as well.
Leading CareerForce Partner Central Minnesota Jobs and Training Services (CMJTS) replaces a transactional, compliance-driven model with an integrated, whole-person approach by addressing food insecurity, housing, transportation, language and other barriers alongside working toward career goals. Participants can also get assistance with work clothing, uniforms, boots, tools and other items necessary for their training and employment.
Under the CMJTS model, one-on-one conversations between participants and counselors replace formal assessments and visits take place in person to help provide more engagement, encouragement and guidance, building trust between participants and counselors.
CMJTS is able to provide more comprehensive services to SNAP E&T participants because they co-enroll participants in additional training programs to help them leverage both federal and non-federal dollars to help participants reach their goals.
For example, CMJTS SNAP E&T participants have also enrolled in Drive for 5, a state-funded workforce program administered by DEED that is focused on preparing people for in-demand work in five occupational categories: the caring professions, education, manufacturing, technology and the trades.
A total of 71 SNAP participants have enrolled in this more comprehensive program since last October. And this new whole-person, relationship-first model is making a difference.
Cody is a SNAP participant who is overcoming challenges and starting down a strong career path thanks to his own determination and the comprehensive support he is receiving from CMJTS. Cody has turned early setbacks, including a period of incarceration and struggles finding steady work, into a five-year plan to become an automotive mechanic. He chose this path because he is interested in it and he can build on skills he built while working alongside his father on derby vehicles. With steady support from his career navigator, Cody is now enrolled full-time in Pine Technical and Community College's Automotive Technician program. While balancing coursework, he is already applying for part-time mechanic shop jobs, determined to build real-world experience as he works toward the career he is passionate about.
This holistic approach was recognized as a promising practice last month by leaders of Minnesota’s 16 Local Workforce Development Boards.
Implementing this model also helps CMJTS be prepared for new work requirements for some Medicaid recipients beginning January 1, 2027.
- Find out more about programs and services offered by CMJTS
- Contact staff at a CareerForce location near you
