Volunteers at Second Harvest Heartland

ABOUT US

We believe ending hunger is a solvable problem when we all come together.

Second Harvest Heartland is a leading hunger-relief organization. In partnership with more than 1,000 food shelves and hunger-relief programs in Minnesota and western Wisconsin, we provided nearly 128 million meals to neighbors last year. We also help families enroll in food assistance and provide prepared meals for people who need more than groceries. Second Harvest Heartland is a leader, convener and voice in hunger-related policy discussions.

Second Harvest Heartland is a proud member of Feeding America, a nationwide network of more than 200 food banks that help 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 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.

Mother unloading groceries with her son in their kitchen

Make Hunger History

Cutting Hunger in Half by 2030

A future where everyone in Minnesota has the food they need to thrive is a goal that belongs to all of us, and it’s going to take all of us to get there.

OUR VALUES

These principles guide our daily behaviors and decisions.

Icons representing Second Harvest Heartland's values
  • We are all in this together

    Collaboration makes our work possible. We treat each other with honesty, respect, dignity, trust and appreciation.

  • We Deliver

    We expect real results from our work, and hold ourselves accountable for achieving them. We steward our resources thoughtfully and efficiently.

  • 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.

  • We Lead With Our Hearts

    We bring our whole selves to the challenge of ending hunger. We operate with compassion, emotion and real connection. 

  • 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.

Summer meals

Our Work

Feeding Our Neighbors

There is more than enough food to feed everyone. Through innovation, advocacy and our extensive partner network, we connect our hungry neighbors to the full resources of our community.

Our Approaches

People in line outside

About Hunger

No one can reach their full potential when they’re hungry. And hunger is more common than many think. In every community, in every classroom.

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Student eating a school lunch

Our Impact

We're a leader in the emergency food chain and one of the nation’s largest food banks. But, our work is about so much more than moving food.

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Minnesota SNAP card being handed over

Programs & Services

Through partnerships, expertise, grantmaking and innovation, our programs help address immediate hunger needs and systemic food insecurity across the community.

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Shelfs of food at a food pantry

Agency Partners

Meet the neighborhood food shelves, emergency meal programs and community organizations that rely on our food bank’s food and resources.

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Leaders in agriculture and politics stand in a food bank warehouse speaking to media

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.

In the News

For media inquiries, email communications@2harvest.org.