There’s an important push to help veterans in need of food. Food insecurity affects many people, including those who have served our country. It’s a serious issue that many may not see.
Tom Lyons, the chairman of the MN Veteran Food Pantry, expressed his concern. “I can’t sleep at night thinking about the many veterans in Minnesota who struggle to get enough to eat,” he said. His group has become a vital support for the Minneapolis VA’s monthly food pantry, which started in May of last year.
Lyons, a Vietnam War veteran, understands how hard it can be for veterans to ask for help. “Veterans are proud. They don’t want to reach out, but they know the VA is there for them,” he added. The pop-up pantry is hosted at the Minneapolis VA every third Tuesday of the month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., or until supplies last. Along with food, veterans can access various resources for their physical and mental health needs.
Pat Kelly, director of the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, acknowledged the high demand. “We have partners ready to assist, and we’re committed to making this work,” he said. The goal is to set up similar food supports at the 14 outpatient clinics statewide, especially for those living in rural areas.
According to the MN Veteran Food Pantry, up to 11% of Minnesota veterans may face food insecurity. That translates to roughly 11,000 veterans, but the actual number could be much higher.
Ashley Milz, a veteran of the Army National Guard, knows this challenge firsthand. “I would go without food just so my son can eat,” she shared, highlighting a common struggle among veterans. She is encouraged by the existence of the pop-up pantries and hopes for their expansion. “Every veteran deserves support,” she stated.
These efforts remind us that our heroes need care and resources, just like anyone else. By expanding food pantries, we can ensure that veterans have better access to the nourishment they need.
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Ben Henry,Food Shelf,Nonprofit,Veterans
