Page 8 Local Business Today • Thursday , March 28 , 2024 post . mnsun . com
Reducing barriers to food access across Minnesota
Loaves & Fishes ’ experience with providing free meals to our community began over 40 years ago . In 1982 , we opened two dining sites : one in Minneapolis and one in St . Paul . Today , we serve meals and rescue food in 15 Minnesota counties and continue to expand into Greater Minnesota .
What sets us apart is that we serve meals with no questions asked . We understand that our community comes to us for a variety of reasons . Some are experiencing financial hardship , some are limited due to health conditions , and others simply appreciate the ease and accessibility of a healthy , hot meal . No matter the reason , we have over 30 Community Meal Sites across the state where you can grab as many free meals as you ’ d like .
But that ’ s not the only way we feed our community . Loaves & Fishes partners with over 40 local nonprofit organizations to help feed their clients . These partners shop the food in our warehouse at a deeply discounted rate to ensure they can focus on their own mission – not spending money on expensive food costs . We also provide meals and groceries to those experiencing homelessness each week so they can rely on a consistent meal .
Our meal programming is supported by our Food Rescue Program . Loaves & Fishes staff drive around Minnesota seven days a week to rescue wholesome food that would otherwise go to waste . Not only does this initiative reduce food insecurity in our community , but it also reduces the amount of methane emissions in our atmosphere caused by food waste .
In 2023 , we served 5.9 million meals and rescued over 13 million pounds of food – the most in our organization ’ s history . Unfortunately , the need for access to affordable , healthy food continues to rise . We expect to make an even greater impact in 2024 .
Want to get involved ? We rely on the help of thousands of volunteers each year to prepare , cook , and serve meals . We have volunteer opportunities throughout the week for individuals , families , and larger groups such as corporate teams . You can also support our meal programming by making a onetime donation or becoming a monthly recurring donor .