ST. PAUL — Gov. Tim Walz announced Monday, Oct. 27, additional state support for Minnesota food shelves with SNAP aid close to running out in the government shutdown, but he warned it will not be enough and aid groups have tips for people organizing to help in their communities.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture said starting Nov. 1, it will no longer issue benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program as the shutdown continues. It is expected already stressed food shelves will see even more demand.
Stephanie De La Hoz, director of programming for the group Move For Hunger, said if you're inspired to mobilize your neighbors and collect items, it is best to call the local food shelf first and see what is needed.
"Your local food pantry might have just gotten a huge donation of boxed mashed potatoes, and you might think you're doing something great by putting together all these sides for Thanksgiving and asking people for boxed mashed potatoes, but that's not really the need," De La Hoz explained.
Other tips include using sturdy boxes and avoiding donating bulk items in glass containers, so they do not break while being delivered. Location is important too, such as having a presence at well-attended events with promotion in advance, including social media alerts. If you gather too many donations for a regular vehicle, Move For Hunger is in all 50 states and will transport big enough loads for free.
Move For Hunger also has toolkits for local organizers as they get started. She pointed to the popular "front porch" model, which caught on during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"We will help supply food collection bags that are essentially paper grocery bags that can be passed out, and neighbors can just leave food donations at a certain time on their doorstep," De La Hoz outlined. "Then, the organizers and some volunteers can go around the neighborhood, collect all the food and get it transported."
Standard best practices still apply, including gathering or donating nonperishable food items or giving money directly to the food shelf. It gives staff has more purchasing power for items like fresh produce and meat. De La Hoz added if you have the means and are planning a major buy at a grocery store, it is still better to donate the money because your dollars will not stretch as far. She noted food shelves get better wholesale prices.
