ABOUT US
We believe ending hunger is a solvable problem when we all come together.
Our Mission
Ending Hunger Together
At Second Harvest Heartland, we’re more than a food bank. We’re one of the largest, most efficient and most innovative hunger-relief organizations in the nation.
We're an advocate
For the policies and programs that work to end hunger, like SNAP, school meals and senior nutrition programs.
We're an innovator
In areas where food can be the solution, like FOODRx and Kitchen Coalition.
We're a strong network
Of local food shelves, hunger relief agencies and state and federal resources, all working together to provide healthy food where it’s needed most.
Feeding America
A Proud Member Of
This nationwide network of more than 200 food banks helps feed people across the country. Our membership provides access to millions of pounds of surplus food and grocery donations, and funds raised through national campaigns.
Our Impact
We use our unique position in the emergency food chain to make a large-scale impact across our region. We serve a 59-county area in Minnesota and Wisconsin and provide 78 percent of the food that our partners distribute.
423 Food Shelf Partners
Over 1,000 Partner Programs
16.009 Volunteers
6.5 million Food Shelf Visits Supported
Nearly 128 Million Meals Provided
Over 141 Million Pounds of Food Distributed
OUR VISION
Explore Our Strategic Plan
OUR VALUES
These principles guide our daily behaviors and decisions.
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We are all in this together
Collaboration makes our work possible. We treat each other with honesty, respect, dignity, trust and appreciation.
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We Deliver
We expect real results from our work, and hold ourselves accountable for achieving them. We steward our resources thoughtfully and efficiently.
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We Innovate
We constantly seek new ways to end hunger. As creative problem-solvers, we value learning and always look for ways to improve how we operate.
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We Lead With Our Hearts
We bring our whole selves to the challenge of ending hunger. We operate with compassion, emotion and real connection.
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We Believe Our Differences Make Us Stronger
We value inclusion and embrace the diversity of our team and our community. Our differences in backgrounds and perspectives empower us to fulfill our mission.
Our History
The Heartland’s Hub for Hunger Relief
For more than 20 years, we’ve served as the primary regional food bank for the Twin Cities metro, greater Minnesota and western Wisconsin. We’re proud of our heritage and the major milestones in our journey to end hunger:
2001
A merger of the St. Paul Food Bank and Minneapolis Food Bank results in the creation of Second Harvest Heartland.
2013
Our Farm to Food Shelf program launches, rescuing thousands of pounds of fresh produce that would otherwise go unharvested.
2016
After years of research, clinical testing and partnerships, our medically tailored nutrition program, FOODRx, debuts, giving those with chronic conditions access to specialized food, nutrition and support.
2020
Our expanded warehouse, food distribution facility and volunteer center opens in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, enabling us to support growing demand with efficiency and scale.
2020
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Minnesota Central Kitchen opens, offering healthy, prepared meals to working families and seniors in need.
2022
Our longstanding Maplewood, Minnesota, location consolidates to our new Brooklyn Park headquarters.
Meet our Leadership
Executive Team + Board of Directors
The work of Second Harvest Heartland is led by a six-person Executive Team and a 27-person Board of Directors. Together and alongside food bank staff, volunteers and partners, they're leading our mission of ending hunger together.