Hunger Matters

The Second Harvest Heartland Blog

Using Data to Drive the Hunger Fight

December 21, 2020 By: Rebecca Mino - Manager of Applied Research and Public Policy

A crisis as dynamic and widespread as the COVID-19 pandemic requires access to and action on real-time data. Learn how our research team along with those at the regional level access, interpret and act on available research.
Evolving Corporate Partnerships in Times of Crisis

December 21, 2020 By: Heather Olson - Corporate Development Officer

Working to end hunger is a team effort, and this year especially our corporate partners have helped us rise to meet the surging need. We sat down (virtually) with one of those partners, Wells Fargo, to reflect on this year and their response and adaptations.
December Reflections: SNAP Outreach

December 18, 2020 By: Tina England - SNAP Outreach Specialist Supervisor

We asked several of our teams “If not for COVID…” to uncover some bright spots in an otherwise dark year. In this post, our SNAP Outreach team describes a year that completely redefined what outreach truly means.
December Reflections: Transportation

December 16, 2020 By: Paul Jacobs - Director of Transportation

We asked several of our teams “If not for COVID…” to uncover some bright spots in an otherwise dark year. In this post, hear from our transportation team on what it’s looked like to keep up with record distributions to community.
Rent Eats First: The Intersection of Hunger and Housing

December 15, 2020 By: Alison Griffin

While the COVID vaccine rollout begins, the crisis remains acute for too many Americans, most notably those who are housing insecure or unhoused. This week’s update to the community welcomed partners from Neighborhood House, Involve MN, and Minnesota Housing’s Prevent and End Homelessness to understand the connection between housing and hunger.
December Reflections: Child Hunger

December 14, 2020 By: JoAnna Lund - Child Hunger Program Manager

We asked several of our teams “If not for COVID…” to uncover some bright spots in an otherwise dark year. In this post, hear from our Child Hunger team on what distance learning has meant for keeping kids nourished and ready to learn.
December Reflections: Food Bank Operations

December 11, 2020 By: Omar Jarrar - Director of Operations

We asked several of our teams “If not for COVID…” to uncover some bright spots in an otherwise dark year. In this post, hear from our operations team, the tireless frontline and very-much-essential team behind the 100 million pounds of food distributed this year.
Meeting with Our Congressional Delegation

December 8, 2020 By: Rachel Sosnowchik - Public Affairs Specialist

Leaders from Minnesota’s food banks will meet with our U.S. Senators and Representatives this week to make an urgent appeal for hunger relief. See what’s on the agenda.
December Reflections: Volunteer Services

December 8, 2020 By: Alison Griffin

We asked several of our teams “If not for COVID…” to uncover some bright spots in an otherwise dark year. In this post, hear from our Volunteer Experience team on what their year as frontline workers has been like.
Our Stories of Giving and Receiving Help

December 4, 2020 By: Alison Griffin

In a year marked by behavior changes of all kinds, a story of one person’s decision to donate generously and another person’s story to reach out for an extended helping hand.
Celebrating Collaboration: Minnesota Central Kitchen

November 25, 2020 By: Alison Griffin

Second Harvest Heartland CEO Allison O’Toole was joined by renowned chef David Fhima and Minnesota Central Kitchen Director Emily Paul to take a moment to recognize the good work, and one million meals milestone, of this COVID-response initiative.
A Thanksgiving Like No Other

November 24, 2020 By: Jennifer Sheda - Agency and Partner Communications Specialist

In a year full of adaptations and innovations, our region’s food shelves are adjusting to make this Thanksgiving a bit more special for the people they serve. Hear from four of our partners on what this year’s food-centric holiday looks like.
Surging Food Insecurity and a Deepening Hunger Divide

November 11, 2020 By: Alison Griffin

Second Harvest Heartland CEO Allison O’Toole was joined by leaders from The Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, the Amherst H. Wilder Foundation and the Kandiyohi County Food Shelf to provide an update on COVID-driven hunger in our region and the path to recovery.
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.