Minnesota’s food banks express gratitude to members of the Senate Health and Human Services Finance Committee for including $10 million in statewide food bank funding in this session’s finance bill, which was passed off the floor on Apil 28. The investment recognizes the essential role food banks play as
community-based organizations that partner with local grocers, farmers, and volunteers to deliver food assistance efficiently and with minimal overhead to food shelves.
Food banks are proven stewards of every public and private dollar they receive. On average, food banks source and distribute groceries at prices well below what Minnesota families pay at big-box retailers. With this funding, food banks will turn each dollar into multiple meals for working families, seniors on fixed incomes and
children across the state. That kind of return on investment is exactly what taxpayers
should expect from any use of public funds.
This funding comes at a critical moment. Grocery costs remain high, and more of our neighbors, many of them working full-time jobs, are turning to food banks to fill their pantry. This funding ensures that rural communities, small towns, and Greater Minnesota are not left behind.
We are especially grateful to the committee members and bill authors from both sides of the aisle who recognized that hunger is not a partisan issue and that supporting Minnesota’s food banks is a sound, fiscally responsible investment in our communities.
“This funding will ensure critical meals for Northland families, children and seniors,” said Shaye Moris, President/CEO, Second Harvest Northland, the Minnesota food bank supporting agency and community partners (food shelves, on-site meal programs and tribal organizations) in 11 NE Minnesota counties. “With the high cost of living impacting working families and seniors on a fixed income, we’ve seen food shelf use increase dramatically. This support will ensure that every NE Minnesota neighbor will have the food they need to thrive.”
Minnesota’s food banks look forward to continuing to work with legislators in both chambers as the bill moves through the process, and we urge the House and the full Legislature to preserve this commonsense investment in Minnesota families and seniors.
For more information about Second Harvest Northland, to donate or volunteer, 218-727-5653, info@secondharvestnorthland.org or visit www.secondharvestnorthland.org.
