Boosting Food Access: How Second Harvest Northland’s Mobile Pantries Are Making a Difference

Second Harvest Northland works hard to fight hunger in the community. They run monthly mobile food pantries in 19 locations, making it easier for people to access food, especially in areas that need it the most.

Their programs range from food shelves to a special initiative for seniors called Nutrition for Seniors. With these efforts, they aim to ensure that everyone gets the help they need.

Volunteer Royal Alworth shared, “I’m proud to be part of this effective organization. But it’s also upsetting to see how many people depend on us for food.” This sentiment reflects a growing concern for food insecurity in the area.

Despite having 19 mobile pantries, the demand keeps rising. Karen Alworth, another volunteer, noted, “We don’t even start giving out food until 10 a.m., but folks line up as early as 6 a.m. to get what they can.” This illustrates the urgency and desperation many feel when it comes to accessing food.

Weather sometimes complicates things, as seen on November 26, when a few pantries had to be rescheduled due to snow. For instance, the Grand Portage Mobile Pantry operates from 11:30 a.m. to noon, and the Grand Marais Mobile Pantry is open from 1:30 to 2 p.m. Additional details about specific times and locations are available here.

Recent statistics show that food insecurity remains a pressing issue, affecting roughly 10% of households in the U.S. as of 2021. This figure amplifies the importance of organizations like Second Harvest Northland. Understanding this context highlights why community efforts are essential.

If you want to support Second Harvest Northland, you can find different ways to contribute here.

Addressing food insecurity is critical for building a healthy community, and every bit of help counts.

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