Food insecurity is a significant problem throughout the Northern Minnesota. We are on track to surpassing 7.5 million visits to food shelves, according to Second Harvest Northland. That was the total number of visits last year, and we’re not even halfway through 2024 yet.

Shaye Moris, the President, and CEO of second harvest northland, says a farm bill proposed by the us house agriculture committee could add further stress. Part of the of plan would see $30 billion in cuts to snap benefits. Something local food shelves worry will create a domino effect that will increase pressure on food shelves and food banks.

“We need more support to make sure that we can meet the demand of families, children, and seniors in our region,” Moris said. “The Farm Bill is putting a reduction in the SNAP benefits. So that’s those dollars that our local families can take to the grocery store to purchase groceries that help supplement what we’re doing at our region’s food shelves and food bank. So it’s really important that those dollars are available for families because this is a really hard time with inflation.”

Minnesota’s legislative agenda session is providing $10 million to support statewide hunger relief. Moris says there’s more work needed to help communities in the region.

“We’re making some great progress toward our goals. We’re seeing a %30 to 40% increase in demand at our local food shelves. It’s really important we’re finding food sources,” Moris said. “So $10 million investment in hunger relief was really gonna go along this year. It’s really gonna help families. And we’re just really excited about that boost of support and just so grateful.”

Food donations are crucial to help end hunger. Although food banks like Second Harvest Northland need cash donations to support their goals.

“Second Harvest Northland really prioritizes cash donations. We’re the region’s food bank. So we’re paying for transportation storage and handling of donated product all over the United States to bring into this community,” Moris said. “Then back out again to over 60 food shelves and other nonprofit programs. So really important that that cash is available because that helps get trucks on the roads and food on people’s tables.”

Second Harvest Northland is having a behind the scenes tour where people can learn more about volunteering with their day-to-day operations on June 6th and 7th.

For more information about how food shelves need help in the Northland you can read more here. Also for other stories with Second Harvest Northland you can read more here.