Minnesota FoodShare is one of eight programs that the Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches operates. They are most well-known for the Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign, Minnesota’s largest collective food and fund drive. This year over $8 million and 5.2 million pounds of food were accumulated and then distributed between 300 food shelves across the state! They also have two awesome programs that take place during the summer months.
The Harvest Campaign is a two-month healthy food drive that takes place August 1 – September 30. The goal of the Campaign is to increase access to high-quality food choices for all Minnesotans by ensuring food shelves statewide are stocked with fruits, vegetables, and other whole foods. Food shelf clients suffer disproportionately from diet-related health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity. The Harvest Campaign seeks to address these health disparities by highlighting the healthy food donation efforts of food shelf supporters, elevating the conversation around food access, and increasing the availability of produce and whole foods to food shelf users.
GardenShare cultivates connections between gardeners, food shelves and neighbors-in-need by encouraging gardeners to bring fresh fruits and vegetables to food shelves or by offering gardening plots to those without green space. Click here to find out how you can start your own food shelf garden.
Minnesota FoodShare is a great organization that is always looking for people to donate or volunteer. If you are interested in learning more, or getting involved with Minnesota FoodShare you can visit their website.