Empowering the Northland Community: Addressing Food Insecurity for Better Health and Nourishment

Food insecurity is a significant issue in Northeastern Minnesota and Northwestern Wisconsin. Many individuals and families face hunger every day, impacting their health and quality of life. At Second Harvest Northland, we witness the effects of this challenge firsthand and understand that solving it requires teamwork and creativity.

Our collaboration with Essentia Health is crucial. Together, we aim to provide not only nourishing food but also the support that our neighbors need.

Second Harvest Northland is committed to ending hunger and improving community health. We support numerous partners, like food shelves and meal programs, helping families, children, and seniors access food with dignity. Our reach spans 15 counties, covering mostly rural and some urban areas, where we work hard to ensure that no one goes hungry.

Addressing hunger goes beyond just providing food. It’s intertwined with social and economic issues. By partnering with Essentia Health, we can tackle hunger as a cause of poor health and inequality.

Essentia Health’s “Resourceful” platform is a groundbreaking initiative that connects patients with essential resources, including those offered through Second Harvest. When patients visit for check-ups, they are screened for social needs. If they indicate they struggle to afford food, they are linked to community resources via this platform, creating a direct path to support.

Since its launch in 2022, Resourceful has facilitated over 21,000 referrals, helping patients access food and other necessities quickly and efficiently. At Essentia Health, we understand that a lack of access to food can lead to poorer health outcomes. That’s why we are proud to contribute around $700,000 to Second Harvest to strengthen our community and fight hunger together.

The need for partnerships is even greater in rural areas, where resources can be scarce. From Ely to Duluth and Superior to Spooner, we see how combining Essentia’s resources with Second Harvest’s local programs makes a real difference. Whether it’s delivering fresh produce to a family or ensuring a senior citizen receives a warm meal, these connections are vital for fostering healthier communities.

Our partnership illustrates how food banks and healthcare systems can unite to address hunger and its broader impacts on health. By working together, we’ve provided food support to over 460 Essentia Health patients, and we’re committed to creating solutions that empower people to lead better lives.

Looking ahead, our goal remains clear: a community where no one has to choose between food and health. Through collaborations like ours, we’re turning that vision into reality, one meal at a time.

— Shaye Moris, President and CEO of Second Harvest Northland, and Dr. Cathy Cantor, Chief Population Health Officer for Essentia Health.