Minnehaha Food Shelf seeks community support during Minnesota Food Shelf Month

As Minnesota marks the 44th Annual Food Shelf Month this March, Minnehaha Food Shelf is calling on the community to step up and help address food insecurity. Designated by the Minnesota Council of Churches, this month serves as a crucial time to raise awareness and garner support for food shelves across the state, including the vital work being done by Minnehaha Food Shelf.

 

Hunger continues to be a pressing issue in Minnesota, affecting one in 10 residents and one in seven children. In 2023, Minnesota recorded over 7.5 million food shelf visits, reflecting a 30% increase from 2022. Minnehaha Food Shelf reflects the increase in food shelf visits. In 2022, they served an average of 400 individuals each week, but in 2024, they served on average of almost 1,200 individuals per week. Nationally, more than 50 million Americans, including over 13 million children, live in households struggling with consistent access to nutritious food. Seniors are particularly vulnerable, with over five million individuals aged 60 and older facing hunger, according to Second Harvest Heartland and The Minnesota Star Tribune. 

This escalating demand has been evident at Minnehaha Food Shelf, where the number of households served each month increased by 65% from January 2023 to January 2024. In December alone, the food shelf provided assistance to 1,020 households. 

“It’s a remarkable operation and it’s been tested in the past few years as demand has grown and our numbers have grown,” said board member Janice Carleen Linster. “In July 2021, we had 258 household visits which mean that an average of 12 households per hour went through the facility – pretty standard for many food shelves. Fast forward to July of this year – three years later – we had 1,267 household visits in that same time period. That’s an average of one household every minute passing through our doors consistently for five hours!” During that same three year period, average monthly food expenses went from $2,915 to $9,950. The food shelf had to cut back on items such as toilet paper, cooking oil, and laundry detergent, but has kept fresh produce on their shelves.

 

Located at 3701 E. 50th St. in Minneapolis, Minnehaha Food Shelf opens its doors every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. During that time, a dedicated team of 30 volunteers and one part-time staff, George Gallagher, distributes essential food items to 250-300 households. Offerings typically include meats, cheeses, milk, eggs, fresh seasonal produce, pasta, and rice, much of which is sourced from local food banks.

“Food expenses grew to $126,000 in 2024, and despite such high demand on its services, Minnehaha Food Shelf maximized its resources by maintaining low overhead costs, ensuring that 81% of all donations go directly toward food purchases," said Carleen Linster. Minnehaha Food Shelf distributed over 3.7 million pounds of food in 2024. 

Minnehaha Food Shelf is a collaborative effort supported by four South Minneapolis churches: Minnehaha United Methodist Church, Lake Nokomis Lutheran Church, Living Table United Church of Christ, and Grace Episcopal Church. However, assistance is available to all community members, regardless of religious affiliation.

 

This March, community members have an opportunity to make an even greater impact. Thanks to a generous $5,000 Challenge Gift, all donations made during Minnesota Food Shelf Month will be doubled. Financial contributions help Minnehaha Food Shelf plan ahead and make bulk purchases of essential food items from local food banks.

For those looking for a way to contribute, consider the 33-cent-per-day challenge – a $10 monthly donation that can make a significant difference. Any recurring gift increases the organization’s ability to provide consistent food assistance to families in need. Donations can be made online at minnehaha.org/foodshelf.

In addition to financial contributions, Minnehaha Food Shelf also welcomes donations of food and personal care products. Items such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, bar soap, and diapers are always in high demand. Donations can be dropped off in the large blue barrel outside Minnehaha United Methodist Church or brought in during food shelf operating hours– 10am-3pm on Tuesdays.

 

The work of Minnehaha Food Shelf would not be possible without the dedication of volunteers. Each Tuesday, greeters, registrars, food handlers, and packers work together to ensure that guests feel welcomed and receive the assistance they need efficiently. Volunteers also keep up their Facebook page, newsletter, and website.

Longtime volunteer Jetta Wiedemeier Bower shares her experience: “I love to volunteer because it’s fun. I love the team that I’m on, and I love that we get to have a positive impact on the lives of hungry people. I can’t think of a better use of my time.”

If you're interested in making a difference in the community, Minnehaha Food Shelf is always looking for new volunteers. Whether you want to work on-site or help behind the scenes, there are numerous ways to get involved. 

 

Food insecurity remains a major challenge in Minnesota, but with collective effort, it is possible to make a lasting impact. Whether through financial support, food donations, or volunteering, every contribution helps ensure that families in South Minneapolis have access to the food they need.

During Minnesota Food Shelf Month, let’s come together to support the Minnehaha Food Shelf and make sure no one in our community goes hungry. For more information or to volunteer, please email foodshelfvolunteers@minnehaha.org.