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“I saw an ad for volunteers and thought to myself, ‘I’m retired, I can help’,” shares Paula, one of our dedicated volunteers.  She now shares that volunteering provides a “workout,” social interaction and purpose in retirement, “And we’re helping neighbors around us.”

Our work would not be possible without the 1,200 regional volunteers who support our food distribution, sorting, labeling, packing, administrative tasks and so much more.  As we look to our future and the increase in demand we’re experiencing, we know it will take even more volunteers like Paula to ensure our neighbors have access to healthy and nutritious food throughout our 15-county region.

We’re currently seeking individual and group volunteers as we work to “end hunger together in NE Minnesota and NW Wisconsin.”  Volunteers are able to work behind the scenes or on the front lines, individually or in a group, to perform physical or non-physical tasks.  Would you like to join volunteers like Paula?  “Come on in,” she shares with a laugh.  “I’ll show you the ropes!”

Essentia Health has been an avid supporter of our hunger-relief work for nearly 3 decades.  Our partnership supports our collective commitment to address the social determinants of health and ensure healthy and nutritious food for families, children and seniors in need throughout our region.

As Dr. Cathy Cantor, Chief Population Health Officer, Essentia Health, shares, “When patients share with us their inability to afford groceries or other essentials, we know those issues impact their health outcomes. Second Harvest has been a trusted partner in helping us close those gaps, providing life-changing support to individuals and families across the Northland. That is why it has been an easy decision to both partner with and contribute our hospitals’ non-profit community contributions directly to Second Harvest to help them fulfill their mission.”

Essentia Health has committed nearly $700,000 to us over the years, reinforcing their commitment to invest in our community and our region.  Our partnership demonstrates how food banks and healthcare systems can come together to address not just hunger, but the broader social determinants of health. We’re so grateful for their support!