Meet HSM Board Member, Nancy Anderson
Nancy Anderson is Executive Director of the Falls Hunger Coalition, a non-profit organization based in International Falls that annually provides more than 147,000 pounds of food to almost 3500 families living near the Minnesota/Canada border. In addition to the Hunger Solutions Minnesota board, Nancy serves on HSM’s Food Shelf Advisory Committee (FSAC).
Staff are often impressed that Nancy has the furthest distance to travel of all involved with the Food Shelf Advisory Committee and the HSM Board and rarely is she not in attendance at a face-to-face meeting in St. Paul and/or St. Cloud.
A native of Washington state, Nancy moved to International Falls with her family in 1996. Prior to joining the staff at Falls Hunger Coalition, Nancy worked for the school district and in retail. Nancy and her husband Mike have two grown children, Nate & Mary.
When did you join the HSM board?
“In January of 2006 I became a member of HSM’s Food Shelf Advisory Committee (FSAC). With quarterly meetings attended by food shelf representatives from around the state, the FSAC is a wonderful opportunity to gain perspective, learn from others food shelf directors, and share experiences.
Because of the knowledge gained at those meetings, when the opportunity to represent food shelves on the HSM board became available, I was anxious to apply. One of the primary reasons was to give rural food shelves, and those clients we serve, representation on the board.”
What do you find most rewarding about being involved in hunger relief?
“Being director of Falls Hunger Coalition is rewarding and challenging. Helping clients as they ‘shop’ for their needs is instant gratification! Listening to their stories is humbling. I have always had the good fortune of enough food on my table, but what constantly occupies my thoughts is how difficult it would be to ask for such a basic need.
We have all heard the phrase so many times –‘in a land of plenty how can we still have so many going without basic needs?’ Being able to help in just a small way with food assistance simply makes the days worthwhile.
The confidential bond that builds between clients, staff, and volunteers is quite special. Staff and volunteers are always aware of the importance of confidentiality. Like Vegas ‘what happens at the food shelf stays at the food shelf’. It is my belief that because of this rule our clients feel that the food shelf is a very safe and judgment free environment. This allows clients the freedom to share their lives and circumstances with both staff and volunteers. Most clients are also willing to listen and act upon suggestions that may help them move forward because of this comfort zone.”
What do you find most challenging about working to end hunger in our state?
“Those of us who work on the ‘front lines’, at food shelves, food banks, or other hunger relief organizations, know the facts, figures, and statistics that plead our case to end hunger in Minnesota. Trying to convince those outside our realm of the reality of hunger issues can be challenging/daunting. There is the ‘pull themselves up by their bootstraps’ segment, the ‘bury my head in the sand segment’, the ‘ignore it and it will go away segment’. While we know that none of these attitudes address the problem, it is what must be addressed in order to solve the problem of hunger.”
What do you enjoy doing when away from work?
“When not at work I enjoy reading, spending time with family and friends, and the occasional bit of travel. My favorite place to be is on Rainy Lake. I spend most of summer at my cottage in Canada with my husband Mike, and two dogs, Sophie and Camper. Weather permitting, it is a terrific place for fun in the sun, with little boat traffic, lovely clean water, and beautiful sunsets. Sitting on the dock, or lying in the hammock, with a good book and glass of wine is relaxing to the max. When my grown children are home to share the experience – well, that’s as good as it gets!”
Please note: Falls Hunger Coalition is this month’s agency highlight. Click here to read more.