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“We are strong, we are resilient and we are uniquely equipped to handle this crisis,” said Shaye Moris, president/CEO of Second Harvest Northland. “COVID proved our ability to come together to support our neighbors, and we are calling on our Northland communities once again to ensure families, children and seniors have access to the food they need to thrive.”

Update: As of Wednesday, November 12, the 43-day government shutdown has ended and funding to USDA and federal food nutrition programs like SNAP, WIC, and TEFAP has been restored. While we are relieved for this update, the effects of SNAP benefits being cut persists as families work to recover from the temporary loss of funding.

Our Food Shelf Program, along with the nearly 70 food shelves we support throughout NE Minnesota and NW Wisconsin region, have reported a 16% increase in use. What’s more, we’ve seen a 26% increase in use by new neighbors who have never visited a food shelf before.

Please continue to support our Northland neighbors as demand for food remains high at our food shelves and meal programs across our region.

Read this statement from our partner Feeding America on the end of the government shutdown:

End of Government Shutdown | Feeding America

Hear more from our president/CEO, Shaye Moris, on the current impacts on SNAP, and how you can help during this time:

Feeding the Northland: Navigating SNAP Uncertainty

Second Harvest Northland Government Shutdown SNAP One Pager

Read about our press conference with Essentia Health and the St. Louis County Health Department on Friday, October 31, highlighting available food resources in our region:

Second Harvest, Essentia, and St Louis County Highlight Food Resources Available Amid Snap Freeze

Second Harvest and partners share more about support for those who need SNAP benefits

Food shelves brace for impact as SNAP benefits halt in the Northland

Find out where you can find food in your area and how you can help:

Northern MN resources: Food shelves, community meals and soup kitchens

What to know about using or donating to food shelves in Minnesota

Full November Minnesota SNAP benefits have been issued

Learn more about Minnesota SNAP Benefits from DCYF

For more than 50 years, Michael and Martha cultivated their farmland in Northern Minnesota, growing crops and raising cattle. In 2018, after selling their farmland, they chose to establish a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) as a strategic way to reduce capital gains. Giving back has always been important to them, and their DAF has made it even more convenient. “Having a DAF has made it so simple for us to give to our favorite charities,” Martha says. “Everything we need is in one place, making it easy to track our charitable giving.”

Agency and Community Partnerships Benefit Neighbors A DAF is a charitable investment account that can be used to support organizations like ours. When you contribute cash, securities, or other assets to a DAF, you’re generally eligible to take an immediate tax deduction. Those funds can then be invested for tax-free growth, and you can recommend grants to any IRS-qualified public charity.

 “Second Harvest helps us meet our goal of ensuring everyone has access to food,” Martha said. “Nutritious food is essential for staying healthy and strong, and Second Harvest is making that possible for so many in our community.”

*Our information is for illustrative purposes. We recommend that you consult your accountant or tax preparer for professional advice and information.