January 22, 2026
Dear FFEN Friend,
At FFEN, we are working toward a world where all of our neighbors have access to fresh, familiar food when they need it—provided with dignity and the freedom to choose what works best for themselves and their families.
Today, that vision feels more urgent than ever. As the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has increased across Minnesota communities, we are deeply concerned that access to food has become even more challenging. In conversations with food shelf leaders across the state, we are hearing heartbreaking stories of neighbors who are afraid to leave their homes. Staff and volunteers notice who is missing—shopping carts left empty not because the need is gone, but because fear has kept people away.
Food is essential. It is nourishment, community, and care. Yet many families who need support are staying home. Food shelves report a 20-40% drop in visits, even as overall need remains high.
At the same time, I am inspired by what food shelves are doing in response. Our food shelf and food bank partners continue to step up with creativity and care—working to ensure their spaces are as safe as possible, staying informed on recommended practices, and finding ways to get food to the people who need it most. Food shelf leaders and volunteers are resilient, adapting quickly and finding new ways to serve their communities, even when those approaches are not their preferred way of providing food access.
We know we can do this better. Food shelves have worked for many years to be welcoming, safe spaces, and it is incredibly difficult when the broader environment prevents them from doing their best work.
In response, FFEN is adapting the rapid-response supports we first developed during the fall federal government shutdown. We continue to offer food shelf leaders and volunteers practical tools, timely information, and opportunities for connection and learning—support that is especially critical given that 35% of Minnesota food shelves are run entirely by volunteers, and nearly one-third of food shelf managers have been in their roles for three years or less.
FFEN continues to be responsive to the needs in the sector while balancing programming that supports best practice and increased connection.
FFEN provides food shelves and their leaders, staff and volunteers with:
- Spaces for peer learning
- Continued development and expansion of on-demand tools and resources
- Live, 45-minute virtual consultations with FFEN staff to discuss unique challenges
During uncertain times, FFEN remains committed to supporting food shelf leaders as they provide stability, welcome, and care across Minnesota.
Here’s how you can help support food access right now:
- Support your local food shelf. Get tips here
- Donate to FFEN to strengthen food shelves and the leaders who make them possible
- Looking for ways to help but don’t know where to start? Email info@ffen.org
Thank you for standing with our neighbors and the food shelves that serve them with compassion every day.
With gratitude,
Kate M. Burggraff
Executive Director
FFEN
