Food Shelf Capacity

To end hunger in Minnesota we need a strong, responsive emergency food system. Hunger Solutions Minnesota works to build food shelf capacity so they are best able to meet the needs of their local communities.

As a membership organization representing over 250 food shelves statewide, Hunger Solutions works to ensure food shelves in Minnesota have the resources, equipment, and support they need to keep their shelves stocked and lights on. Hunger Solutions distributes yearly grants to food shelves and offers emergency and equipment grant funding to help food shelves recover from natural disasters, broken equipment or respond to a dramatic rise in community need.

In response to COVID-19, the Minnesota Department of Human Services partnered with Hunger Solutions to administer $21 million in emergency relief funds to food shelves and hunger-relief partners across the state.

Advocacy

Ending hunger requires public policy intervention and systemic change. Hunger Solutions is the anti-hunger community’s leading voice at the Minnesota legislature. We promote the good work of community food shelves, advocate publicly for additional food shelf funding, and support overarching policies that reduce poverty and break down barriers that prevent self-sufficiency.

Food Shelf Grant Funding

Hunger Solutions distributes more than $3 million per year in grants, ensuring food shelves have access to the funding they need to serve their communities. These grants include the Minnesota Food Shelf Program spring and fall grants, emergency grants, and more. 

The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)

Hunger Solutions works with federal and state government to coordinate the acquisition and distribution of commodity food to Minnesota food banks and food shelves through The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). TEFAP is a federal program that provides 100% American-grown USDA foods to local hunger relief organizations.

In 2021, Hunger Solutions, in partnership with federal and state government, coordinated the acquisition and distribution of over 14 million pounds of food through TEFAP. 

Hunger Data

Hunger Solutions works with our partners to collect timely statistics on how many individuals are using food shelves. We analyze the trends, compile regular reports, create visual aids, and map hunger needs throughout Minnesota. We also track national hunger trends and share relevant reports and analyses with our partners.

We also offer a free Food Shelf Database for food shelves that need help tracking basic client statistics.

Media Support

Hunger Solutions works to raise public awareness about hunger in Minnesota. Through press releases, letters to the editor, media interviews, targeted publicity campaigns, and a strong social media presence, we mobilize public support for hunger relief.

Community Connections

Through our contacts and networks of hunger partners at the state and national level, Hunger Solutions connects food shelves to resources for equipment and food distributors, cross-sector contacts in the agriculture and healthcare fields, and connections with local public officials. If a food shelf has a need, chances are we have a connection or partner to help.

Membership

Hunger Solutions Minnesota is a membership organization representing 250+ food shelves across the state. Members join our advocacy on behalf of food shelves, receive help with data and media support, and get connected to community groups working to end hunger in Minnesota. Members are invited to join in fundraising opportunities like the Open Your Heart Summer Challenge.

Easy ways to help!

1 Donate
2 Sign up
3 Advocate