Hunger Matters

The Second Harvest Heartland Blog

When Working a Full-time Job Can’t Cut It

November 9, 2020 By: Alison Griffin

“Circumstances don’t care who you are, how hard you work or what it is that keeps you up at night. Everyone falls on hard times at some point, and it’s okay to take an extended hand that’s offering help.” Read more about Niki’s story of hope.
Food Shelf Adaptations and Innovations in a Pandemic

October 30, 2020 By: Pat Pearson, Director of Agency Relations

The pandemic has forced us all to pivot, and the challenges it has created for our food shelf partners, particularly in Greater Minnesota, has forced new ways of serving clients. See how four of our partners are responding with creativity and compassion.
Nourishing Students, and Now Their Families, as the Pandemic Wears On

October 22, 2020 By: Alison Griffin

Discover how multiple Second Harvest Heartland program teams, from our Child Hunger specialists to Volunteer Services to Minnesota Central Kitchen, are collaborating with Roseville Nutrition Services to keep students and families fed this season.
“I’m Looking Forward to Not Going Back to Normal”

October 16, 2020 By: Alison Griffin

Hear how three Northside Minneapolis organizations have been partnering in new ways to respond to months marked by George Floyd's murder, social uprisings, and the COVID-19 pandemic, and what they are hoping for in the future.
A Life—and End of Life Plan—Defined by Service

October 12, 2020 By: Alison Griffin

Growing up, Julie was keenly aware of the many advantages and resources available to her. As soon as her first steady paycheck came 50 years ago, Julie began supporting local food shelves and soon after, Second Harvest Heartland.
The Seriousness of Senior Hunger

October 8, 2020 By: Alison Griffin

Between rising food prices and fear of COVID-19 exposure, grocery stores are less accessible to many seniors today. Understand senior hunger in our region and the resources available to ensure your older neighbors and loved ones are fed and well.
Many Hearts, One Mission

October 7, 2020 By: Nora Dragich - Volunteer Experience Supervisor

Since our Volunteer Center opened more than one year ago, nearly 20,000 volunteers have passed through our doors. We're taking a moment to celebrate the space and how it's impacted our mission.
Sports Community Comes Together for Our Community

October 6, 2020 By: Heather Olson

The Home Teams vs. Hunger campaign was unlike any example of teamwork we’ve ever seen. See for yourself.
The Need for Prepared Meals in the Fight to End Hunger

September 18, 2020 By: Alison Griffin

Time, ability and access barriers mean many of us go without the nourishment and nutrition of a prepared meal, even during these challenging times when that comfort is needed most. Second Harvest Heartland and our program Minnesota Central Kitchen are on a mission to change that.
Make Your Plan to Vote to End Hunger This Fall

September 18, 2020 By: Rachel Sosnowchik

Voting is important not only to the communities and clients we serve every day, but also to the policies and programs that further our mission to end hunger. And early voting starts today in Minnesota!
Y’all, I Cooked That!

September 9, 2020 By: Jadea Washington, Appetite For Change

Founded by three women in 2011, Appetite For Change is a community-led nonprofit in North Minneapolis that uses food as a tool to build health, wealth and social change. Their programs bring community members together to engage with food in ways that strengthen the local economy, nourish families and support social connection.
Minnesota Central Kitchen Aims to Distribute One Million Prepared Meals

September 4, 2020 By: Emily Paul

What launched in late March as an emergency response initiative has grown into a vital community resource for those who prepare and those who are sustained by the 25,000 meals this collaborative distributes each week. Get caught up with Minnesota Central Kitchen.
Federal SNAP Program More Important Than Ever In Fight to Stop Hunger During the Coronavirus Pandemic

September 3, 2020 By: U.S. Senator Tina Smith

SNAP is one of our country’s most vital social safety nets and plays a critical role in reducing hunger, malnutrition and poverty in Minnesota and across the country. Written by U.S. Senator Tina Smith.
One Woman’s Journey from Food Shelf Client to Coordinator

September 2, 2020 By: Alison Griffin

Take it from Zenobia Carson: Food shelves are a blessing, whether as a source of sustenance or service. Now more than ever, Minnesotans can and should turn to the more than 816 food resources available throughout the state.
Update to the Community: Food Resources

September 2, 2020 By: Alison Griffin

As troubling as today’s surge in hunger is, so is the stigma associated with seeking out and receiving assistance. This week’s community update centered on the need for all of us to give and receive help if we’re going to make it through COVID as a community.
Fill the Fridge, Minnesota: A SNAP FAQ

August 26, 2020 By: Alison Griffin

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, is the bedrock of the hunger-relief system, and it’s a powerful food access tool that many Minnesotans don’t know about or have misperceptions of. Learn something new about SNAP through this quick FAQ.
Donor Spotlight: Harmony and Ava (H+A Dog Walking)

August 12, 2020 By: Alison Griffin

Learning just how many Minnesotans were out of work because of the pandemic, Harmony and Ava knew they had to do something to support their neighbors in need.
Thank You, Donors!

August 9, 2020 By: Rachel Bittner

August 10-16 is Donor Appreciation Week! This week we’re putting the spotlight on Second Harvest Heartland’s many wonderful supporters that make everything we do possible.
Update to the Community: Hunger and Health

August 4, 2020 By: Alison Griffin

1 in 8 Minnesotans are now facing hunger, and with it, challenges in accessing nutritious, affordable food. Our recent Update to the Community delved into the connection between hunger and health thanks to a panel of leading experts.
Minnesota Central Kitchen Partner Spotlight: The Sioux Chef

July 31, 2020 By: Alison Griffin

The Sioux Chef owners Sean Sherman, Dana Thompson and their team have partnered with Minnesota Central Kitchen to provide healthy, sustainable, and culturally connected food to those in need.