Foundation Awards $100,000 to Support Rural Food Shelves
The Initiative Foundation has awarded $100,000 in grants to 18 rural food shelves across Central Minnesota to help communities manage a surge in demand in the face of rising food costs.
The Initiative Foundation identified and partnered with some of the region’s smallest and most under-resourced food shelves—connecting directly with organizations where the need was greatest and support could make the most immediate difference.
“We saw the strain our smallest food shelves were under and knew we had to act,” said Amy Trombley, vice president of community at the Initiative Foundation. “These food shelves are essential lifelines in their communities, and this funding is designed to help them continue meeting urgent needs.”
The grants come at a time when food shelves are reporting a sharp increase in visitors, with many seeing new faces, including older adults living on fixed incomes. Andrea Richard, executive director of the Longville Area Food Shelf, said the organization is seeing a drop-off in resources and support from state and national organizations. The grant will allow the nonprofit to purchase more dairy products and fresh produce.
“Food insecurity has far-reaching implications, from chronic health issues to an individual’s ability to finish schooling,” Richard said.
Rural areas often have fewer grocery stores, limited transportation options and longer distances to food resources, making it harder to access healthy and affordable food.
John Ryder, secretary of the Emily Food Shelf, said the organization has recently partnered with local food providers–including SYSCO, Super 1 and Dollar General–to secure discounted or donated food. The food shelf also launched a summer meal program to support students facing food insecurity, and volunteers maintain a garden to supply a variety of fresh produce.
“We are truly grateful to have been found by the Initiative Foundation and that you feel we are worthy recipients of your grant, which will seriously impact our organization,” Ryder said.
Other grant recipients include:
- Brooten-Belgrade-Elrosa Area Food Shelf
- Browerville Area Food Shelf
- Family Pathways Onamia Food Pantry
- Father’s Hearts & Hands Food Shelf, Remer
- Garrison Area Caregivers
- Hackensack Area Food Shelf
- Isle Area Food Shelf
- Kimball Area Food Shelf
- Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe – Food Distribution
- Motley Area Food Shelf
- Ogilvie Food Shelf
- Pillager Area Family Center
- Pine River-Backus Family Center
- Quamba Baptist Church–Food Shelf
- Sebeka Area Food Shelf
- Verndale Family Life Church–Food Shelf