RESOURCE: Food Shelf Guide

---

---

The government shut down on October 1 has led to the second longest government shutdown in history. Because the federal government has been unwilling to apply emergency funds to support it through the shutdown, Minnesota residents are expected to lose food benefits from essential programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) beginning November 1. 

Despite Minnesota having more than 300 food shelves, pantries, and meal programs available to those in need, tens of thousands of Minnesota families be affected. Throughout October, families’ SNAP and MFIP benefits remained intact, but with November looking uncertain for families, Minnesota Women’s Press put together a quick guide to resources for those needing direct help. 

• One great resource — which lists all 300 food shelves and food assistance programs — is The Food Group, partnering with Hunger Solutions to provide access to fresh, sustainably sourced foods and ingredients. The website Food Shelf Finder lists hundreds of food shelves, meal programs, and other resources across the state. Enter your address and find your local food shelf here.
• Additional resources for Twin Cities residents include Pillsbury United Communities’ two food shelves, based at the Brian Coyle Community Center and the Waite House Community Center, which include hot halal meals.
• Hennepin County encourages residents with children five years or younger to try the Women, Infants, and Children Program (WIC), in addition to the Minnesota Food Helpline: 1-888-711-1151, or call United Way’s 211.
• At the state level, residents are encouraged to continuously check the federal shutdown page for updates regarding SNAP, cautioning Minnesotans that food shelves are incredibly busy and may not get back to people right away. 

Some food shelves and pantries require appointments for a full shopping trip. Walk-ins are sometimes accepted, but pantries may only provide certain items in an emergency food bag for people without prior appointments. Some shelves book appointments anywhere from three to six weeks out; other meal delivery services only require you to register or call. 

A recent Facebook post offered a helpful guide for what people should and should not donate to their local food shelf. Some of the tips: 

• Everyone donates Kraft Mac and Cheese in the box, however people can rarely use it because it needs milk and butter, two ingredients that are more difficult to get from regular food banks.
• Boxed milk is a treasure as kids need it for cereal, an item shelves receive regularly. 
• Everyone donates pasta sauce and spaghetti noodles.
• People are unable to eat all the awesome canned veggies and soups unless a can opener is included; alternatively, people can buy pop tops.
• Oil is a luxury but is needed for Rice a-Roni, another frequently donated item.
• Spices, salt and/or pepper would be a real Christmas gift.
• Tea bags and coffee make people feel cared for.
• Sugar and flour are treats.
• Fresh produce donated by farmers and grocery stores are a very hot commodity .
• Seeds are great for spring and summer because growing is easy for some.
• Food shelves rarely get fresh meat.
• Tuna and crackers make a good lunch.
• Hamburger Helper goes nowhere without ground beef.
• They get lots of peanut butter and jelly but usually not sandwich bread.
• Butter or margarine is always appreciated, as are eggs (a big commodity).
• Cake mix and canned frosting makes it possible to make a child’s birthday cake.
• Dishwashing detergent is very expensive and is always appreciated.
• Feminine hygiene products are a luxury, and women will be extraordinary grateful for those.
• Everyone loves Stove Top Stuffing.

 

To support our community-oriented coverage: