Predictable, healthy food and welcoming experiences for all food shelf shoppers
A strength-based approach to efficient and effective hunger relief operations. Helping food shelves do better so that food insecure Minnesotans can do better.
With more than 375 food shelves serving over 3 million Minnesotans, our state’s hunger relief system is vast, complex and ever-changing. FFEN understands the complexities and challenges faced by food shelves and other hunger relief organizations. Reshaping the hunger relief sector is at the core of FFEN’s work. And while there is no one-size-fits-all approach, we have invested in developing tailored services and solutions to meet the unique needs of food shelves and the communities they serve. Learn more about how FFEN is supporting food shelves across Minnesota.
Food Shelf Services
Managing a food shelf is an art and science. We support food shelves to implement the most current best practices, through no-cost consultation and professional development opportunities.
Volunteer
FFEN engages skilled volunteers who share their expertise with the hunger relief sector, leveraging new solutions, skills, and additional capacity to improve local food access.
Donate
When you support FFEN, the impact you provide is exponentially greater than the dollar amount you give. Your gift is an investment in local communities and improved food access into the future.
FFEN’s impact
Our Reach
200+
Food shelf connections (since 2013)
787,792
Food shelf shoppers reached (estimated annually)
61
Counties supported across Minnesota
$0.91
Amount of each dollar going to programs
Read the Latest News From FFEN
FFEN’s Resource Hub: Topic-Based Technical Assistance when Food Shelves Need it Most
Being a food shelf leader often requires you to wear many hats, some of which might be entirely new to you. FFEN’s Resource Hub is an ongoing service for when you have questions, challenges, and opportunities. Sessions can be scheduled as you need it and on the...
Call for new Board Members
Foundation for Essential Needs (FFEN) plays a unique role in the hunger-relief system, transforming food shelf spaces and operations to meet the evolving needs of each local community. FFEN strengthens food shelves from the inside out, building up their...
Farewell Christine Page, Community Engagement Manager
Christine Page, FFEN's Community Engagement Manager for the last year, has accepted a new position with another well-respected nonprofit in the Twin Cities and her last day at FFEN will be Wednesday, October 25th. Christine has been a great addition to the FFEN team...
Meet Alyssa Rebensdorf, Board Member
Alyssa Rebensdorf considers feeding people not only as a way to meet an essential need, but more importantly, as a way to sustain and strengthen community. Her “food equals love” philosophy is just one of the many ways that make her an ideal addition to the FFEN Board...