Region asked to donate food and funds to support regional hunger relief during the March 1 through April 6 Campaign
As communities across Minnesota prepare for the annual Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign, Second Harvest Northland is calling attention to the growing and urgent need for food access across NE Minnesota and NW Wisconsin.
As the region’s only food bank, supplying food to 70 regional food shelves, Second Harvest Northland is encouraging regional participation in the statewide campaign, an effort critical to sustaining local hunger relief.
Each month, food shelves in Second Harvest Northland’s 15-county NE Minnesota and NW Wisconsin service region provide food access to nearly 44,000 neighbors.
In the past year alone, food shelf visits in the region have increased 9%, continuing a multi‐year trend of higher demand largely caused by high inflation, the end of temporary federal supports, the more recent government shutdown and SNAP changes. Food shelves are also seeing significant demographic shifts:
- Senior visits have increased 56% (2024–2025), reflecting greater need amongst
older adults living on fixed incomes - Children made up 27% of the neighbors supported in 2025
- The Duluth food shelf operated directly by Second Harvest Northland
experienced a 31% increase in neighbors supported. Since relocating to their
new West Duluth facility, they are now providing food access to an average of
5,550 individuals each month.
“Our region’s food shelves have never been more essential,” said Shaye Moris,
President/CEO of Second Harvest Northland. “The March Campaign brings together
caring people across Minnesota to ensure every community has the food resources it
needs.”
As the region’s only food bank, Second Harvest Northland supplies partner food shelves with the majority of the food they distribute in their local communities. Some partners report that up to 90% of the food they provide comes directly from Second Harvest Northland.
The organization’s new Duluth facility, opened in 2025, has strengthened this support by expanding freezer and cooler capacity. This has allowed Second Harvest Northland to increase access and distribution of neighbor-preferred fresh foods, including fresh produce, dairy, meat, fish and poultry, which now makes up 45% of its distribution.
“More families are turning to food shelves, and they deserve high-quality, nourishing options,” said Moris “Our expanded facility makes that possible.”
The Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign is the state’s largest grassroots effort supporting local food shelves, and contributions have greater impact during the March 1 through April 6 campaign. When community members donate food or funds to Second Harvest Northland’s network of food shelves or their Food Shelf Programs in Duluth and Grand Rapids, contributions can be proportionately matched
by funds generated from the Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign.
Every contribution ensures food shelves have the resources they need to meet increasing demand and to re-stock the shelves after holiday season resources have declined.
For more information about Second Harvest Northland or the Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign, 218-727-5653, info@secondharvestnorthland.org or visit secondharvestnorthland.org.
