Food insecurity in Minnesota: Increasing reliance on community organizations
By Kelsey Slovut-Einertson • Food Security Coordinator
In 2025, 20% of households in Minnesota relied on the emergency food system to access the food they need. Food shelf usage in Minnesota has been increasing steadily since 2020 and is at record levels, with nearly 9 million visits made in 2024.
These numbers are expected to continue rising as changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which were passed in July 2025, have started going into effect. These changes will result in fewer people qualifying for SNAP benefits and will shift some costs from the federal government to state governments. As people lose access to federal food benefits, they will likely have to turn to the emergency food system to access the food they need.
Additionally, the impacts from Operation Metro Surge have already caused many additional people throughout Minnesota to need assistance in accessing food. The city of Minneapolis put out a preliminary report estimating that about 76,000 additional people may have already experienced food insecurity within the city as a result. This crisis will likely result in long-term food insecurity for many impacted people as well.
Food shelves throughout Minnesota need additional funding to continue to meet the increasing demand. Every March, the Minnesota FoodShare campaign runs to raise funds and food donations across the state. This year’s campaign runs from March 1 through April 6. Please join us in supporting our friend and neighbor, PRISM, during this year’s campaign. Every dollar and pound of food collected helps to support families in need.
JFCS is hard at work addressing food insecurity in a variety of ways. We deliver packages of food from PRISM to those who qualify; we stock and distribute emergency food boxes for clients and community members; and we provide assistance to individuals in completing SNAP applications.
Additionally, through our Kosher Meals on Wheels program, we provide nutritious, frozen, home-delivered meals to clients across the community. Our Intake and Resource Connection team provides valuable resource information to callers, staff, and clients. We also recently wrapped up registration for our annual Hag Sameach Passover program and will be providing many clients and households in our community with Passover bags containing the holiday’s foods and ritual items to help them celebrate.
Food insecurity in Minnesota is an increasing and pressing issue. Community support is crucial to meet the rising demand and help ensure that no one in our community has to go hungry. Thank you for all you do to support JFCS and PRISM.
Click here to make a donation to the JFCS Emergency Response initiative.