Food shelf visits in Minnesota have surged to record levels—rising from 7.5 million visits in 2023 to nearly 9 million in 2024. This dramatic increase reflects the growing strain on households as food costs remain high and critical safety-net programs face uncertainty. In 2025, as changes and challenges to SNAP benefits and other federal supports were debated and implemented, food shelves experienced ripple effects, with an even greater number of neighbors turning to charitable food assistance to fill widening gaps.

Hunger relief organizations are responding in real time—stretching limited resources, expanding services, and working to meet increased and more complex needs. You can turn your free time into meals for the community by volunteering with a local Minnesota hunger relief partners!

Looking for opportunities that use bilingual skills? Want something close to home or work, or an experience where you can bring a group or your kids? Use the search features—by keyword, calendar, map view, and filters—to find the volunteer opportunity that’s right for you and help support neighbors during this critical time.