“We are strong, we are resilient and we are uniquely equipped to handle this crisis,” said Shaye Moris, president/CEO of Second Harvest Northland. “COVID proved our ability to come together to support our neighbors, and we are calling on our Northland communities once again to ensure families, children and seniors have access to the food they need to thrive.”
Update: As of Wednesday, November 12, the 43-day government shutdown has ended and funding to USDA and federal food nutrition programs like SNAP, WIC, and TEFAP has been restored. While we are relieved for this update, the effects of SNAP benefits being cut persists as families work to recover from the temporary loss of funding.
Our Food Shelf Program, along with the nearly 70 food shelves we support throughout NE Minnesota and NW Wisconsin region, have reported a 16% increase in use. What’s more, we’ve seen a 26% increase in use by new neighbors who have never visited a food shelf before.
Please continue to support our Northland neighbors as demand for food remains high at our food shelves and meal programs across our region.
Read this statement from our partner Feeding America on the end of the government shutdown:
End of Government Shutdown | Feeding America
Hear more from our president/CEO, Shaye Moris, on the current impacts on SNAP, and how you can help during this time:
Feeding the Northland: Navigating SNAP Uncertainty
Second Harvest Northland Government Shutdown SNAP One Pager
Read about our press conference with Essentia Health and the St. Louis County Health Department on Friday, October 31, highlighting available food resources in our region:
Second Harvest, Essentia, and St Louis County Highlight Food Resources Available Amid Snap Freeze
Second Harvest and partners share more about support for those who need SNAP benefits
Food shelves brace for impact as SNAP benefits halt in the Northland
Find out where you can find food in your area and how you can help:
Northern MN resources: Food shelves, community meals and soup kitchens
What to know about using or donating to food shelves in Minnesota
Full November Minnesota SNAP benefits have been issued