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
Join FFEN’s Board: Support Local Food Shelves with critical Resources, Training
Bring Your Skills to the Table: Help Food Shelves Work Better for Everyone Foundation for Essential Needs (FFEN) is looking for two passionate leaders to join our Board of Directors. If you care deeply about consistent and dignified food access for all and want to...
Food shelves adapt as cost of serving their communities rises
Rising grocery prices are hitting families and food shelves alike. Still, food shelf leaders keep stocking what shoppers say they need most: fresh produce, protein, dairy and eggs. FFEN's latest Strategic Food Sourcing Analysis, a six-month "health check" for food...
15 Years of FFEN
Fifteen Years of FFEN: One Food Shelf, One Question at a Time Fifteen years ago, a few board members at a Bloomington food shelf watched it run short on volunteers, food and money. Every decision was a reaction to the next emergency. They decided there had to be a...