3 ways to support food shelves in Minnesota

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA EXTENSION - www.extension.umn.edu

Food shelves are vital community resource hubs for people experiencing hunger, and they are under unprecedented pressure. 

In 2024, Minnesota food banks hit a new record high of nearly 9 million visits. This year’s government shutdown and federal funding cuts to SNAP benefits for 440,000 Minnesotans are expected to cause an influx of people in need of food assistance. 

According to the 2025 Minnesota Food Shelf Survey, demand rises every year, but food products have become more expensive and harder to source, and donations have slowed. Here are three ways you can support Minnesota food shelves today.

1. Give money 

Food shelves prefer receiving monetary donations because they work with food banks to buy fresh produce in large quantities at the best prices, making your donated dollar stretch much farther. Buying in bulk is also more efficient, as collecting and sorting donations takes a lot of time. 

2. Volunteer

Another excellent way to support local food shelves is to help out in person. Smaller food shelves rely on volunteers and long-tenured leaders. Every organization is unique, so consider trying out several places to find the right fit.

Common volunteer tasks include packing boxes, unloading food truck deliveries, organizing shelves, taking inventory, cleaning, and helping shoppers with their orders. If you speak more than one language, many food shelves need volunteer interpreters. 

3. Shop and drop off high-demand items

Smaller food shelves or pantries may accept donations of food and supplies. Before you head to the store, make sure to check the organization's website or social media for a list of most requested items and information regarding drop-off times. 

Food donations do's

• Buy one or two items in bulk rather than small quantities of many products.
• Prioritize buying shelf-stable pantry items like:
  • Canned fruits and vegetables
  • Proteins
    • Nut and seed butters
    • Tuna
    • Beans
    • Nuts
    • Seeds
  • Grains
    • Rice
    • Pasta
    • Cereals
    • Oatmeal
  • Cooking and baking staples
    • Wheat or corn flour
    • Cooking oil
    • Herbs
    • Spices

Food donation don'ts 

• Items that are not preferred include:
  • Snacks
  • Beverages
  • Boxed meals
  • Instant noodles
  • Canned pasta
  • Seasoned rice kits
• Perishable items requiring refrigeration or freezing should not be donated, unless through authorized food rescue channels that can maintain food safety.

Our SuperShelf program has worked with over 80 Minnesota food shelves, helping them create a dignified experience that is welcoming, easy to navigate, and honors the shoppers' individual choice. This growing network of hunger relief leaders believes ensuring the best possible experience for food shelf shoppers leads to overall transformational health in our communities.

For more information reach out to supershelf@umn.edu.