Foundation
For
Essential Needs
Investing dollars and talent into the transformation and sustainability of Minnesota food shelves.
News And Info
The Opportunity
Hunger remains a serious issue in our communities, as Minnesota food shelf visits continue to increase post-recession. More and more Minnesotans rely on food shelves not only for episodic emergencies, but as a consistent resource to relieve their monthly food budgets. Each year, local food shelves work tirelessly to feed community members coming through their doors, while navigating a quickly-changing environment that calls for more fresh and healthy food to help solve hunger.
The Foundation for Essential Needs is a unique, nimble and innovative resource that partners with food shelves to help them successfully respond to the big changes happening in hunger relief — while meeting client-centered food needs.
Our Vision
​
Reshape the food shelf system to provide equitable, healthy and predictable food options throughout Minnesota.
The Growing Need
24%
Increase in visits to Minnesota food shelves, post-recession
53%
Clients receiving half or more of their total food from a food shelf
74%
Clients using their local food shelf for over a year
How We Are Helping
94
Number of Minnesota food shelves strengthened with FFEN's consulting expertise, 2013 -- 2019, now operating more efficiently to feed fresher food to more people.
54
Number of refrigerators and freezers FFEN has made possible through its grant funding, 2013 -- 2019, ensuring that produce, dairy, and meat can be offered. Here’s how we help fill those coolers.
$176,206
Dollars FFEN has granted, 2013 -- 2019, to local food shelves.
