Who We're Helping

There will always be a sizable number of people in this nation who, for reasons such as health or education have difficulty affording food and shelter. Government refers to these as “those who have been left behind.”  The reality is that future demands on food banks and their efficient delivery systems are likely to continue. It makes sense to support these systems so they function in a cost-effective manner. The result will be that the resources of agencies such as the Second Harvest North Central Food Bank will stay directed to those in need.

Those coming for food assistance include:

• Working families     45%
• Families with children under 18  40%
• Elderly people     9%
• People in poor health    30%

(Above statistics reported by “Hunger in America 2010”)

The total number of people served by Second Harvest North Central Food Bank's entire region in 2011:

• 53,258 Households served by food shelves – an increase of 32.5% since 2008
• 182,358 Individuals served by food shelves including 65,307 children
• MAC & NAPS- 27,835 children and seniors received commodity boxes
• Itasca Holiday Program- 1,700 families received Christmas food baskets
• Kids Packs to Go  – 13,592 backpack meal sacks distributed to elementary school children

Second Harvest Food Bank has been on the cutting edge of food banking operations for over 20 years.   The diversity of programs offered is unique among small rural food banks.  For example:

• Grand Rapids Food Shelf

• Kid’s Packs to Go Backpack and Kids Cafe Program
• Commodity Distribution Program for children and seniors  (MAC & NAPS)
• Mobile Pantry Program
• Re-Pack Program
• Itasca Holiday Program
• Food Safety Training for member agencies
 

Second Harvest Food Bank receives financial support from a variety of sources.  The 2009 breakdown is:

• Foundation Grants    4%
• USDA Commodities    9%
• Fundraising/individual donors 33%
• Program Fees   54%

Second Harvest North Central Food Bank works in cooperation with numerous other non-profit agencies.  It is through collaboration that we are able to make a difference in so many lives.  We are affiliated with:

• Feeding America, The Nation’s Food Bank Network
• Minnesota Food Bank Cluster
• Hunger Solutions Minnesota
• United Way of 1000 Lakes Agency
• Itasca County Emergency Food and Shelter Needs Committee (FEMA)