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
196
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
Meet Carla Kohler, Board Member
Carla Kohler has learned firsthand about the importance of hunger relief, food security, and the consumption of healthy food in communities experiencing health inequities. And she is committed to implementing and integrating health equity initiatives in both the Twin...
Call for New Board Members
Foundation for Essential Needs (FFEN) plays a unique role in the system, providing funding paired with no-cost consulting to food shelves so that they can serve their community more effectively and efficiently. Our relational approach utilizes skilled volunteers to...
Kamryn Friedrich, Graphic Design Intern
Intern Name: Kamryn Friedrich FFEN Intern Role: Graphic Design Intern Share about your educational experience and background? I was born and raised in Corcoran, Minnesota. I currently study Arts Entrepreneurship at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design and will...