Stories of Ending Hunger
The Second Harvest Heartland Blog
What it looks like to end hunger together
When I Was Hungry, They Got Me Food: Wayne's Story
Wayne has struggled with food insecurity throughout his life. Community Emergency Services (CES) helps alleviate that burden.
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How a Missed Bus Helped Victoria Find the CES Food Shelf
Victoria's children missed the bus one day. On the drive back from school, she noticed Community Emergency Services. She's been visiting their food shelf ever since.
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They Have a Heart for You: Wai's Story
Wai shops at Community Emergency Services (CES) to help supplement her grocery shopping.
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Food Lockers at the CES Food Shelf Provide Grocery Pickup Alternatives for Neighbors
In Minneapolis, Community Emergency Services (CES) has expanded food access for their neighborhood by adding a set of 15 food lockers outside their building. Neighbors can access these lockers outside…
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How ACBC Food Shelf Was There for Rhory Following a Medical Emergency
Rhory, a Twin Cities mom, is a solo parent to a 15-year-old son. “I have always worked incredibly hard to provide for my son. No child support, no public assistance. I have always done what it has…
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Advocacy in Action: Results from the 2025 Minnesota Legislative Session
We’re celebrating some bipartisan legislative wins, but state and federal funding cuts will pose significant challenges for the hunger-relief network.
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How SNAP Helps an Artist and Small Business Owner Keep Creating
Erin is a full-time visual artist working to expand their small business with the help of SNAP.
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Brainstorming Solutions in Greater Minnesota
Second Harvest Heartland is collaborating with key communities across the state to develop and grow programs that improve local food security.
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Table of Hope Society: Shirley's Story
Shirley, a Second Harvest Heartland Table of Hope Society member, added Second Harvest Heartland to her estate plan to help fuel our mission.
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Table of Hope Society: Grant and Janet's Story
Grant, a Second Harvest Heartland Table of Hope Society member, added Second Harvest Heartland to her estate plan to help fuel our mission.
Read MoreJune 11, 2025 - Volunteers are the "Heart and Soul" of 360 Communities in Rosemount
June 10, 2025 - "360 Communities Changed My Life," How a Rosemount Food Shelf is Providing More than Food
May 30, 2025 - Cultivating a Way Forward: Ambria's Story
May 30, 2025 - Pack the Capitol with Second Harvest Heartland and Keystone Community Services
May 27, 2025 - 360 Communities is Providing Food, Support, and Kindness in Rosemount
May 27, 2025 - Grow with Second Harvest Heartland: Meet Roel, our Partner Operations Specialist
May 13, 2025 - Second Harvest Heartland's Care Center Navigates Challenges with Compassion
May 8, 2025 - Care, Dignity, and Connection: Afro Deli Partners with Kitchen Coalition
May 2, 2025 - How Saint Paul Public Schools Help End Hunger through Food Rescue
April 29, 2025 - Getting Food Right Where it's Needed with our New Mobile Trailer
April 14, 2025 - Giving and Receiving Food at CEAP’s Brooklyn Center Food Shelf
April 10, 2025 - Breaking Fast Together: Celebrating with Oasis Market & Deli
March 27, 2025 - “The School Sees Us”: Southwest Minnesota State University’s Mustang Market Provides Food, Home Essentials, and a Gathering Space for Students
March 25, 2025 - "It's a Mini Celebration" Meet the Volunteers that Make Marshall's UCAP Food Shelf a Welcoming Place
March 13, 2025 - Punch Neapolitan Pizza Gives Back
March 7, 2025 - Making Connections: Second Harvest Heartland's Volunteer Center Manager
February 6, 2025 - How One Pro Bono Volunteer Has Helped Improve Our Processes
February 6, 2025 - A Q&A with Allianz Life on the Power of Volunteerism
December 20, 2024 - Alliant is Building Community Through Philanthropy and Volunteering
December 16, 2024 - Connecting Community For The Holidays
November 26, 2024 - "Todo!" Angelica and Alberto's Story
November 26, 2024 - A High Note: Candy Helps Support her Daughter's Musical Aspirations
November 15, 2024 - Grateful All The Time: How Open Cupboard Helped Luther and His Family
November 12, 2024 - 2024 Second Harvest Heartland Holiday Gift Guide
November 8, 2024 - Getting Potatoes Out of the Field and onto Neighbors' Tables with R.D. Offutt Farms
November 5, 2024 - Negotiating for Good: How a University of St. Thomas Class is Supporting a St. Paul Food Shelf
October 4, 2024 - Reaching Neighbors and Their Pets on Pet Hunger Awareness Day
September 24, 2024 - Thankful Every Day: Juan's & Mia's Story
September 5, 2024 - Treated With Kindness: Luis and Yanibel Find Comfort and Food at The Open Door
August 26, 2024 - Connecting South Minneapolis Neighbors to Fresh Produce and Health Care
August 15, 2024 - Join Second Harvest Heartland and our Partners at the State Fair!
July 31. 2024 - Swapping Recipes and Building Community at The Open Door
July 31, 2024 - It's For You and Me: Jennifer Shares Her Love of Today's Harvest
July 2, 2024 - Sourcing Produce Through Three Organizations Supporting Emerging Farmers
June 20, 2024 - Make Hunger History Update
June 10, 2024 - A New Community Market and Resource Hub in White Bear Lake
May 22, 2024 - Prioritizing Dignity and Accessibility at Calvary Food Shelf
May 21, 2024 - Chefs in the Classroom: Preparing Kitchen Coalition Meals at Saint Paul College
April 30, 2024 - A Community-Led Effort in Worthington
April 5, 2024 - Behind the Scenes with Second Harvest Heartland Employees
March 29, 2024 - Lunch Time with Kitchen Coalition at Pathways on the Park
March 26, 2024 - A Nutrition Q&A with Demand Planning Manager Sarah Anderson
March 20, 2024 - Preparing for Hunger Day on the Hill
March 4, 2024 - Behind The Wheel: Tagging Along During Kitchen Coalition Pick-Up
March 1, 2024 - Good to Go: Food Rescue Makes for a Great Partnership Between Kwik Trip and Bountiful Basket
February 2, 2024 - How a Produce Partnership with The Good Acre Changed One Farmer's Life
February 2, 2024 - Campus Cupboard is Making Sure Students Can Thrive in Mankato
January 2, 2024 - Partnering to Provide Produce and Protein in North Mankato
December 14, 2023 - Forging Connections at the 2023 Kitchen Coalition Summit
December 5, 2023 - Second Harvest Heartland Holiday Gift Guide 2023
November 20, 2023 - Celebrating Culture and Community with Food at Clues
November 16, 2023 - A Fulfilling Effort: The Ways in Which College Students Volunteer at Second Harvest Heartland
November 7, 2023 - "What Do We Value?" Behind The Scenes at Watonwan County Food Shelf
October 24, 2023 - A Feeling of Abundance
October 24, 2023 - Growing The Future: How Hy-Vee Keeps the Twin Cities Community Fed
October 13, 2023 - How Three Organizations Are Ensuring Good Food Fills Plates, Not Landfills
October 11, 2023 - It's Supporter Appreciation Week!
October 11, 2023 - It's All About That Trust: Providing Community at Harvest for the Heart
October 9, 2023 - 4 Reasons Why Minnesotans Need Food Assistance This Fall
September 22, 2023 - The Nurturing Work: A Nurse Practitioner Shares How SNAP Helped Her Navigate Uncertainty
September 21, 2023 - Keystone Community Services Stays on the Move
September 18, 2023 - How SNAP Helps Grocery Stores Make Food Accessible
September 12, 2023 - One Day at a Time
September 7, 2023 - College Food Pantries Provide More Than Just Between Class Snacks
August 30, 2023 - SNAP - A Bridge to Hope
August 29, 2023 - Feeding America's Feed Nourish Connect Conference Comes to Minnesota
August 25, 2023 - Visit Our Partners at the Minnesota State Fair
August 21, 2023 - Delivery Day at Pipestone Food Shelf
August 18, 2023 - Take Action to End Hunger this September
July 26, 2023 - Kitchen Coalition Meals Help Moms and Kids at Perspectives Thrive
July 20, 2023 - Gathering Support and Growing Community at Waconia's Food Shelf
July 5, 2023 - How Senior Food Box Delivery Helps Reaver Stretch her Grocery Budget
July 5, 2023 - Monthly Giving - The Most Impactful Way to Fight Hunger
June 29, 2023 - Supporting Food Programs in North Minneapolis Amid Uptick in Neighbor Visits
June 26, 2023 - Kitchen Coalition Serves People Who Need More than Groceries
June 13, 2023 - What was Gained for Hunger-Relief During the 2023 Legislative Session
June 1, 2023 - How Receiving Senior Food Boxes Helped Lynda Stay on Track
May 16, 2023 - The Early Birds Vegetable Farm is Helping End Hunger
May 5, 2023 - 4 Reasons Why People Need Food Assistance This Spring & Summer
April 21, 2023 - Creating Sustainable Celebrations with Prepared Food Rescue
April 21, 2023 - Coborn's is Helping People and the Planet Through Food Rescue
April 3, 2023 - Celebrating School Meals for All in Minnesota
March 31, 2023 - 'More Giving. More Forgiving': Meet the Formerly Incarcerated Volunteers at Bread of Life Food Pantry
March 30, 2023 - A 10th Birthday to Remember
February 27, 2023 - Welcoming Volunteers of All Abilities in the Fight Against Hunger
February 22, 2023 - Supporting Central Minnesota with Warmth and Variety
February 14, 2023 - Grant Funds Support Innovative Solutions that Fill Unmet Need
February 2, 2023 - Serving the Indigenous Community with Creativity and Care
February 1, 2023 - Minnesota Central Kitchen is now Kitchen Coalition!
January 6, 2023 - How Two Minnesota Colleges are Fighting Hunger on Campus
December 30, 2022 - Help Make 2023 Hunger-Free with Monthly Giving
November 21, 2022 - 4 Reasons Why People Need Food Assistance This Winter
November 9, 2022 - Neighbors Helping Neighbors at Minnesota Central Kitchen Partner NorthStar Health
October 28, 2022 - Farm Bill Listening Sessions
October 27, 2022 - COVID Adaptations Spark Lasting Changes for Food Shelves
October 21, 2022 - A Day in the Life of a Food Shelf Order
October 20, 2022 - Minnesota Central Kitchen in the Classroom and on the Mainstage
September 27, 2022 - A Fresh Resource for the Belle Plaine Community
August 11, 2022 - Advocacy Spotlight: Interview with Volunteer Ben Savin
July 26, 2022 - Thank you donors!
July 19, 2022 - Preparing for the 2023 Farm Bill
July 13, 2022 - Accessing Fresh and Local Foods with SNAP Market Bucks
June 29, 2022 - 5 Hunger-Fighting Reasons to Give Monthly
June 22, 2022 - End of Legislative Session Brings Missed Opportunities for Lawmakers to Address Food Insecurity
June 15, 2022 - How Haven Housing Gives Food a Second Chance with Food Rescue
June 14, 2022 - Five Food Donors Fighting Hunger in the Heartland
June 3, 2022 - From Farm to Food Bank: Q&A with The Good Acre
May 26, 2022 - Spotlighting Senior Hunger in Minnesota
May 19, 2022 - Meet the Team Helping to Keep Food Distributions Safe and Accessible!
May 18, 2022 - Why Schools Across Minnesota Are Essential to Ending Child Hunger
May 10, 2022 - Our Team is Varied, Our Team is Strong: Get to Know the Second Harvest Heartland Staff
May 9, 2022 - 4 Reasons Why People Need Food Assistance This Spring and Summer
May 3, 2022 - Saint Paul Public Schools Celebrates their School Lunch Heroes Year Round
May 3, 2022 - Today’s Harvest Opens Second Location
May 2, 2022 - Minnesota Central Kitchen Offers Halal Meals to Muslim Communities During Ramadan and Beyond
April 27, 2022 - Volunteer Spotlight: Prime Digital Academy Student Cohort
April 21, 2022 - Get to Know Some of Second Harvest Heartland’s Volunteers
April 18, 2022 - Minnesota Central Kitchen is Creating Chef and Neighborhood Powered Meals
April 13, 2022 - How Two Multitasking Volunteers Are Helping End Hunger
April 7, 2022 - Volunteers Bring More Meals and More Heart to Second Harvest Heartland
April 5, 2022 - A SNAP-For-Seniors Q&A
April 1, 2022 - Help Fill Plates and Change Lives During 24-Hour Harvest!
March 25, 2022 - Join Us in Supporting Food Shelves During the FoodShare Campaign
March 22, 2022 - Food Sourcing Q&A with Sourcing and Demand Planning Director Julie Vanhove
March 18, 2022 - In the Right Place at a Difficult Time
March 14, 2022 - The Power of a Prepared Meal
March 2, 2022 - Making Hunger-Free Schools a Reality in Minnesota
February 24, 2022 - The Critical Addition to the Hunger Fight: Prepared Meals
February 21, 2022 - Food Shelf Fresh: Partnering with Local Farmers and Producers
February 14, 2022 - Using Data to Fight Hunger with Boston Consulting Group
February 10, 2022 - FOODRx and SNAP: Increasing Nutrition Access
January 21, 2022 - Expanding Our Reach, Strengthening Our Connections
January 20, 2022 - How Inflation Impacts the Hunger Relief System and How You Can Help
January 12, 2022 - So Much More Than a Food Shelf: CROSS Services in Rogers, MN
December 29, 2021 - Making a Difference Year-Round with Monthly Giving
December 14, 2021 - 4 Reasons Why Many Minnesotans Are Facing Hunger This Winter
November 24, 2021 - The MNbenefits Application is a Game-Changer for Minnesota Families
November 10, 2021 - From St. James to Robbinsdale, Our School Partners Deliver for Kids and Families
November 4, 2021 - Community Solutions: Partnering to End Hunger at the Local Level
October 27, 2021 - VEAP is Working to End Food Insecurity in the Southern Suburbs
October 21, 2021 - The Stepnick Family is Stepping Out to End Hunger This November
October 20, 2021 - Making the Hunger Relief System Work for Seniors across Minnesota
October 13, 2021 - 75 Years of Improving and Expanding School Lunches to Keep Kids Fed
October 7 , 2021 - Addressing the Racial Hunger Divide
September 30, 2021 - Enabling Choice Fosters Equity and Identity While Reducing Food Waste
September 23, 2021 - More Than a Meal: The Application for Educational Benefits
September 10, 2021 - Hope Youth Center and Pham’s Rice Bowl Are Caring for Community Kids at Midtown Global Market
September 9, 2021 - The Du Nord Foundation Community Market and Eat for Equity Team Up to Nourish South Minneapolis Neighbors
August 23, 2021 - The Good Acre is Building Equity by Supporting Farmers and Eaters
August 16, 2021 - I believe in the power of food.
August 12, 2021 - More Than a Meal: The Summer Food Service Program
July 27, 2021 - Thank You, Donors! Donor Appreciation Week, August 2-8
July 26, 2021 - Staying Cool This Summer with Our New Temperature-Controlled Clean Room
July 21, 2021 - 4 Reasons Why People Need Food Assistance Right Now
July 13, 2021 - A New Partnership Aims to More Fully Address Hunger in Rural Western Wisconsin
June 28, 2021 - Monthly Giving: A Lifeline For Neighbors Facing Hunger
June 25, 2021 - Midwest Dairy Makes Milk More Accessible
June 15, 2021 - We’re proud to announce that we have been awarded recertification as a Service Enterprise organization
June 14, 2021 - Resilience Through Food: The Celebration of Juneteenth
June 3, 2021 - Minnetonka High School Students Destigmatize SNAP
May 24, 2021 - This Spring, Hairnets Are In and Contaminants Are Out
May 7, 2021 - Girls Scouts Bring Joy to the Hunger Fight
May 5, 2021 - Partnering to Address Child Hunger in the Suburbs
April 29, 2021 - Join Us for Second Harvest Heartland’s First-Ever 24-Hour Harvest Giving Day on May 20
April 23, 2021 - Ready for the Road to Recovery
April 23, 2021 - Pro Bono Volunteers Help Advance Food Distribution Equity
April 16, 2021 - Dana and Mike Want YOU to Join Them as Volunteers
April 14, 2021 - Our Assessment of the American Rescue Plan Act
April 14, 2021 - A Skeptical Donor Finds Value in Charitable Gift Annuities
April 8, 2021 - The Fanucci Family: Channeling Grief Into Some “Outrageous Good”
April 6, 2021 - Two Jerries are Better than One
March 30, 2021 - Our Volunteers Are Finding Meaning, Building Skills, Strengthening Relationships and Helping Our Community
March 29, 2021 - The Crawford Family
March 29, 2021 - Meeting the Moment
March 29, 2021 - The Crisis that Changed Us
March 29, 2021 - Fueling the Work
March 29, 2021 - Delivering Peace of Mind
March 29, 2021 - Thank You to Our Health Care Provider Hunger Fighters
March 25, 2021 - Expert Spotlight: Rebecca Mino, Manager of Applied Research and Policy
March 3, 2021 - Expert Spotlight: FOODRx Program Manager and Registered Dietitian Jana Martin
February 26, 2021 - Northside Partners for Food Delivery Expands to 300 Families
February 15, 2021 - Doubling Down: Giving Today and Well into the Future
February 1, 2021 - What You Need to Know About Federal Policy Changes
January 28, 2021 - The Power of Pro Bono Volunteers
January 19, 2021 - What Role Do Farmers Play in Fighting Hunger?
January 19, 2021 - How Does a Trade War Impact a Food Bank?
January 14, 2021 - What Does it Mean to Rescue Food?
January 12, 2021 - Why Does a Food Bank Focus on School Meals?
January 8, 2021 - Welcome Sook Jin Ong, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
January 5, 2021 - What Makes SNAP So Great?
January 4, 2021 - Resolve to Make a Difference through Monthly Giving
December 22, 2020 - December Reflections: Advocacy and Public Policy
December 21, 2020 - Using Data to Drive the Hunger Fight
December 21, 2020 - Evolving Corporate Partnerships in Times of Crisis
December 18, 2020 - December Reflections: SNAP Outreach
December 16, 2020 - December Reflections: Transportation
December 15, 2020 - Rent Eats First: The Intersection of Hunger and Housing
December 14, 2020 - December Reflections: Child Hunger
December 11, 2020 - December Reflections: Food Bank Operations
December 8, 2020 - Meeting with Our Congressional Delegation
December 8, 2020 - December Reflections: Volunteer Services
December 4, 2020 - Our Stories of Giving and Receiving Help
November 25, 2020 - Celebrating Collaboration: Minnesota Central Kitchen
November 24, 2020 - A Thanksgiving Like No Other
November 11, 2020 - Surging Food Insecurity and a Deepening Hunger Divide
November 9, 2020 - When Working a Full-time Job Can’t Cut It
October 30, 2020 - Food Shelf Adaptations and Innovations in a Pandemic
October 16, 2020 - “I’m Looking Forward to Not Going Back to Normal”
October 12, 2020 - A Life—and End of Life Plan—Defined by Service
October 8, 2020 - The Seriousness of Senior Hunger
October 7, 2020 - Many Hearts, One Mission
September 18, 2020 - The Need for Prepared Meals in the Fight to End Hunger
September 18, 2020 - Make Your Plan to Vote to End Hunger This Fall
September 9, 2020 - Y’all, I Cooked That!
September 4, 2020 - Minnesota Central Kitchen Aims to Distribute One Million Prepared Meals
September 3, 2020 - Federal SNAP Program More Important Than Ever In Fight to Stop Hunger During the Coronavirus Pandemic
September 2, 2020 - One Woman’s Journey from Food Shelf Client to Coordinator
September 2, 2020 - Update to the Community: Food Resources
August 26, 2020 - Fill the Fridge, Minnesota: A SNAP FAQ
August 12, 2020 - Donor Spotlight: Harmony and Ava (H+A Dog Walking)
August 5, 2020 - Thank You, Donors!
August 4, 2020 - Update to the Community: Hunger and Health
July 31, 2020 - Minnesota Central Kitchen Partner Spotlight: The Sioux Chef
July 29, 2020 - Preparing for the Surge in Hunger
July 20, 2020 - Combating Child Hunger in a COVID-era Summer
July 6, 2020 - Why Monthly Giving Matters, Especially Now
June 26, 2020 - P-EBT Helps Fill the Gap of School Breakfast and Lunch During COVID-19
June 24, 2020 - New Study Predicts Historic Surge in Hunger
June 16, 2020 - Joan’s Plans Ensure Her Neighbors are Fed Long After She’s Gone
June 8, 2020 - Coming Together to Provide Food for Powderhorn Park Residents
May 26, 2020 - Breaking New Ground: Farmers are Crucial Hunger Fighters in the COVID-19 Era
May 19, 2020 - Minnesota Central Kitchen Teams Up with Surly Brewing Co. to Provide More Meals
May 11, 2020 - Produce Delivered to Every Corner of the County
May 8, 2020 - A Network Rises to the Food Rescue Challenge Amidst COVID-19
May 7, 2020 - Hear From Our Hunger-fighters on the Frontlines
May 5, 2020 - Four Ways We’ve Adjusted to Respond to COVID-19
May 1, 2020 - #GiveAtHomeMN—Minnesotans come together to support nonprofits impacted by COVID-19
April 28, 2020 - A Special Thank You to Our Volunteers
April 24, 2020 - Business Not as Usual: Food Production and Distribution in a Pandemic
April 22, 2020 - Rescuing Food—A Sustainable Way to Solve Hunger
April 20, 2020 - From Receiving Food-assistance to the Frontlines of Fighting Hunger
April 17, 2020 - Coming Together to Feed More Minnesotans: The Story Behind Minnesota Central Kitchen
April 16, 2020 - A Father’s Philanthropic Legacy Helps Feed Minnesotans
April 13, 2020 - Q & A with Hunger-fighter Dave Henseler
April 10, 2020 - Packing Up Produce for the Lower Sioux Community
April 6, 2020 - Senior Hunger in Rural Minnesota
April 1, 2020 - Thank you, Volunteers!
Mach 31, 2020 - United In Hunger Relief
March 27, 2020 - Get Help Finding Food - We Have the Resources You Need!
March 17, 2020 - Introducing: Minnesota Central Kitchen
March 6, 2020 - High School Students Reflect on the Problem of Hunger
March 5, 2020 - Know the Signs of Child Hunger
March 2, 2020 - Meet the Harvest Crew
February 28, 2020 - The Secret to Setting Kids Up for Success?
February 28, 2020 - Celebrate the Most Important Meal of the Day
February 11, 2020 - Doing the Work They Love to Help Feed Our Hungry Neighbors
February 6, 2020 - With Estate Gift, Couple Ensures Everyone has a Place at the Table
January 31, 2020 - Longtime Volunteer Memorialized with Food and Fund Drive
January 30, 2020 - A Warm Meal = A Fresh Start for Terrence
January 24, 2020 - Peanut Butter: The Perfect Shelf-stable Protein
January 21, 2020 - Future Hunger Fighters: Minnetonka High School Students Fight Stigma
January 21, 2020 - Partners in Life, Work and Fighting Hunger
January 3, 2020 - Hunger Relief By the Numbers 2019