FFEN works to improve the responsiveness of Minnesota’s food shelves to increase access to fresh, healthy food
About Us
The hunger relief sector has become increasingly complex in recent years.
Food sources have evolved, levels of community need and demographics have changed, and more competition exists for donor and volunteer support. FFEN is here as an ongoing resource and partner to help food shelves adapt to this new, ever-changing environment.
Our Mission
FFEN supports food shelves to optimize operations and effectively serve each community, building a more connected and equitable hunger relief system.
Our Vision
A hunger relief system trusted to predictably offer fresh, familiar food options and a dignified experience in all communities.
Our Goals
- Food shelves are shopper-centric, data informed, and optimized to meet the needs of their community into the future.
- The hunger relief ecosystem is aligned and collaborates towards common approaches for increased food access.
- FFEN is a thriving, sustainable organization, positioned to meet our mission.
Our Values
- We prioritize the food-shelf shopper voice and experience in all of our work.
- We take time to listen and build honest and reciprocal relationships.
- We honor unique community context and seek to include additional perspectives and expertise.
- We cultivate a spirit of abundance to foster creative solutions for local and system innovation.
Meet the Team
Changing the hunger relief system in Minnesota requires a committed and diverse team of staff and volunteers. Meet the leaders, working alongside skilled volunteers, who move FFEN’s mission forward on a daily basis.
FFEN Staff
Kate Burggraff
Executive Director
kateburggraff@ffen.org
Katie Bull
Director of Programs
katiebull@ffen.org
Sarah Colburn
Development and Communications Manager
sarahcolburn@ffen.org
Jenny Moore
Program Coordinator
jennymoore@ffen.org
Andrea Gressman
Food Shelf Consultant
andreagressman@ffen.org
FFEN Board of Directors
Katherine Winter, President
Chief of Staff,
Medica Health Plans
Joined 2021
Alyssa Rebensdorf, JD, Vice President
Attorney, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
Joined 2023
Katie Bourget, CFA, Treasurer
SVP, Head of Credit Research, Travelers
Joined 2022
Sara Ball, Secretary
Strategic Program Manager, U.S. Bank
Joined 2026
Megan Blomberg
Tax Manager, Redpath and Company
Joined 2026
Mary Callaghan
Senior Project Manager for Transformation, Catholic Charities Twin Cities
Joined 2024
Haley Nelson
Recruitment Manager, Conservation Corps Minnesota & Iowa
Joined 2019
Michael Niznik
Tax Principal,
LB Carlson, LLP
Joined 2017
Amy Podlesak
Community Relations & Foundation Manager, Land O’Lakes
Joined 2025
Nidhi Sen
Senior Director of Technology, Target
Joined 2025
Rachel Sosnowchik
Lobbyist, Goff Public
Joined 2026
History and Milestones
Founded in 2011, a dedicated group of Minnesota business leaders and professionals formed the Foundation for Essential Needs to develop ways to end hunger and poverty and secure stability for basic needs organizations. In 2013, FFEN’s leadership expanded its service area across the state to solely focus on food shelf support; since then, engaging with nearly 200 food shelves across Minnesota, as well as regional food banks and statewide hunger relief partners.
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Incorporated as a 501(c)3 Non-Profit.
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Expanded reach to all food shelves in Minnesota; issued first service grant to 10 suburban Hennepin County food shelves.
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Moved into first office space.
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Created Granting Policy to fund all food shelves across Minnesota; granting $20,000 to five food shelves.
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Hosted Welcoming Party to introduce FFEN’s office.
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Participated in first Give to the Max Day.
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Expanded funding to food shelves to service and financial grants.
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Launched initiative to focus on food shelves in the Iron Range counties.
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Reorganized internally to reflect a consultancy able to better respond to requests from food shelves.
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Partnered with regional food banks to identify ways to further increase collaboration.
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Hired Kate Burggraff as Executive Director.
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Began statewide partnership with MN Dept. of Human Services.
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Celebrated 10 year anniversary by hosting Reshaping Hunger Relief Breakfast.
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Became a leading partner on the 2022 Food Shelf Survey.