The Food Group recently released our 2024 Annual Report, and we’re sharing some of the trends and takeaways! 2024 was a transformative year for The Food Group—full of milestones and mission moments. With the support of donors, partners, and volunteers, we served 7,687,120 meals for our local community members in need. That’s a 1.2 million increase from 2023!
We also opened an exciting new chapter by joining forces with our longtime partner, Hunger Solutions! Hunger Solution became part of The Food Group and the merger brought new statewide programs like Market Bucks, SNAP Rx, and the Minnesota Food Helpline plus an advocacy branch.
We also gained broader reach across Minnesota through our Minnesota Food Shelf Program, which provides support to food shelves statewide. Over the past year, we’ve grown our network of food shelves and meal program partners from 244 to 500 and expanded from serving 30 counties to all 87 Minnesota counties.
Minnesota’s Changing Hunger Landscape
More Minnesotans faced food insecurity in 2024 than ever before. Minnesotans made nearly 9 million visits to food shelves in 2024, a record high for the fourth consecutive year and the most visits ever recorded. That’s 1.4 million more visits than in 2023 and 2.5 times more visits than pre-pandemic 2019.
These trends continue into 2025. At the same time, federal programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are at risk for devastating cuts, endangering nearly 150,000 Minnesotans who rely on them.
Alongside partners and community champions, The Food Group is raising awareness, defending proven programs, and advocating for sound public policies. Hunger Day on the Hill—hosted in collaboration with the Partners to End Hunger Coalition—was a highlight in that effort.
Over 200 advocates traveled from across Minnesota to raise their voices and support anti-hunger policies! Andrea, a Hunger Day attendee, shared this observation:
It’s always so inspiring and exciting to see so many people who are like-minded come together for one cause, all kinds of different backgrounds, all kinds of different organizations. But we all are aligned on food access.
New Programs to Meet Rising Need
In the face of rising hunger and federal uncertainty, new and expanded programs are helping to close the gap. Our statewide Market Bucks Program helps SNAP participants stretch their dollars at the farmers market, making healthy food more affordable.
Another new program helping to address food insecurity is SNAP Rx. Through SNAP Rx, patients are screened for food insecurity during routine care and then referred to The Food Group’s HelpLine. SNAP Rx ensures that people don’t fall through the cracks and families get the food support they need. We assisted 4,463 patients through SNAP Rx last year compared to 3,434 the year before.
Minnesotans facing food insecurity can also call our Minnesota Food HelpLine directly for assistance with food resources. From questions about SNAP benefits to filling out application questions to finding resources for seniors, The Minnesota Food HelpLine is helping Minnesotans understand their benefits and find healthy food. This past year, we answered the call to 14,978 households!
Partnering with Minnesota Food Shelves
Food shelves are on the frontline of the fight against rising hunger statewide. It’s essential they have the equipment, resources, and support to keep shelves stocked and lights on. The Food Group is proud to partner with food shelves in every country in Minnesota. Together with the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Family, The Food Group distributed over $7.4 million to 275 food shelves statewide through the Minnesota Food Shelf Program.
We also distributed 23.4% more culturally connected foods and 26% more local foods than the year prior! Teresa, a food shelf participant at NEAR, shared:
Coming to the food shelf keeps me healthy… I’m a diabetic. All the food I get is always good from the food shelf. I can eat healthier foods; it keeps me alive.
Expanding Grocery Access
Affordable grocery programs provide a powerful layer of protection for families at risk for food insecurity. As food prices rise, Minnesotans are feeling the strain. Affordable grocery meets people where they’re at and helps them put food on the table. In 2024, The Food Group saw a 45% growth for our affordable grocery programs, Twin Cities Mobile Market (TCMM) and Fare For All (FFA).
Through strong community partnership, we brought groceries to 13,230 people at 1,073 Twin Cities Mobile Market stops. We also launched five new sites, including one in downtown Saint Paul which recently saw the closure of its only remaining grocery store. Sparkle, a Twin Cities Mobile Market Participant, shared:
The Twin Cities Mobile Market bus sells a lot of healthy food, and it’s very affordable. I love it!
30,366 people accessed affordable groceries through our Fare For All pop-up sites. Garret a first time Fare for All visitor commented:
My mom usually visits Fare For All, but this is my first time visiting for her and she loves the produce, the discount, and the community aspect of everything.
Investing in Sustainable Farming
The Food Group is committed to supporting underrepresented and emerging farmers through our farm education program at Big River Farms in St. Croix, Minnesota. We provide land and resources for farmers to learn sustainable practices, grow organic foods, and build strong businesses.
This past year, we were able to provide training and land access to 23 farm teams. We also hosted 250 farmers from 15 states and 41 counties at our 19th Annual Emerging Farmers Conference!
We’re also working to build a more sustainable food system through climate-smart practices and expanding land access opportunities. Over the past year, we’ve explored and piloted AgriSolar in partnership with US Solar—the practice of farming beneath and around solar panel—at a site in Big Lake, Minnesota.
We appreciate this land opportunity so that we can grow more foods for our community… I am still learning about farming here in Minnesota, but it’s cool I get to learn how to do it between solar panels.
Looking Back, Looking Forward
Thank you to the volunteers, donors, and partners who helped us create food for today and change for tomorrow in 2024! As we reflect on the past year, stand in the present, and look to what is ahead, The Food Group Executive Director Sophia Lenarz-Coy observed:
We’re facing unique challenges in 2025 with increased need across the state and a lot of uncertainty at the federal level. We know that can make it harder for people to put food on the table and adds more pressure on our food system.
Sophia also stressed the importance of collaboration and community to combat food insecurity:
We collaborate with so many creative people and partners in the fight against hunger in Minnesota. We need the support of partners, volunteers, donors, and community members to meet this moment and get food, resources, and support to those who need it most.
Learn More
Read The Food Group’s 2024 Annual Report including impact and financials.
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