ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota food shelves are feeling grateful for new funding.
State leaders say $5 million will be allocated before the end of the year. The one-time financing was announced Monday morning.
The money is intended to support food shelves across the state dramatic increase in needs.
At the Community Center in St. Paul, there has been a 47% increase in the past year. It is a trend that is visible across the country.
Gov. Tim Walz and the first lady spent some time volunteering at the Community Center on Monday morning.
Minnesota saw 7.5 million visits to food shelves statewide last year, according to those on the front lines. This year it is on track to reach 9 million.
The $5 million comes from leftover funds from the American Rescue Plan.
“We understand this is one-time money,” Walz said. “But it’s a time when we need it, it’s a time when it will make a difference and a time when our partners best understand how to get that out.”
“This additional funding comes at such an important time,” said Sophia Lenarz-Coy, Executive Director of the Food Group. “It will hit food shelves in early 2025 and will make a real difference in meeting this need.”
There are approximately 300 food shelves in the state of Minnesota. It is not yet known how much each board will receive, but it will be allocated based on the needs of the community.
