At this year’s Reshaping Hunger Relief Breakfast, food shelf leaders took the stage and told the truth about what it takes to serve their communities right now — and why the support behind them matters more than ever.
What they shared stayed with us.
When the front door becomes a bottleneck
Sharon Abel arrived at Groveland Emergency Food Shelf to find an organization running on instinct and goodwill — but without the systems to match. Food deliveries arrived through the front door at the same time as shoppers. Volunteers reached around guests to stock shelves. The experience, however well-intentioned, wasn’t what anyone deserved.
FFEN came in, assessed the operation, and offered concrete recommendations. The result: a calmer, more organized, more dignified experience for every person who walks through the door.
When the numbers don’t add up
Cindy Favre of St. Peter Area Food Shelf knew something was wrong. Expenses were climbing, but she couldn’t pinpoint why — or how to fix it. FFEN provided the data to make sense of where money was going and, more importantly, how to redirect it: toward fresh produce, meat, dairy, and eggs. Toward the food families actually need.
When you need someone to call
Ethan Neal knows both sides of this work. With experience at Pillsbury United Communitied food shelves and now as Director of Partner Operations at Second Harvest Heartland, he’s seen what food shelves face when challenges run deep. His message was simple: when a food shelf needs real solutions and serious operational support, he sends them to FFEN.
Leading through disruption
FFEN Executive Director Kate Burggraff knows food shelf leaders as well as anyone — and she’ll tell you they’re among the most resourceful, committed people she’s ever met. But wave after wave of funding disruptions is forcing them to lead differently, to do more with less, and to make hard calls in real time. FFEN exists to make sure they don’t have to do that alone.
At no cost to food shelves across Minnesota and Western Wisconsin, FFEN provides:
- Data to respond effectively and sustainably to community need
- Support to maintain dignity and welcome, even when resources feel scarce
- A trusted partner to call when the going gets tough
