During the holiday season, there is a heightened sense of the need to give back to our communities. In Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, as the holidays approach and the cold weather takes hold, ensuring that food is on the table becomes crucial. Second Harvest Heartland, a nonprofit organization, is actively working to assist metro area residents in need through their food shelf. They have launched the “Make Hunger History” initiative, with the goal of cutting hunger in half for Minnesotans by 2030.

How You Can Help

To achieve this significant goal, Second Harvest Heartland is calling on community members to take action. They encourage volunteers to lend a hand at their local food shelf, using their time and energy to make a difference. Additionally, they urge people to petition elected officials, making hunger a priority on the political agenda. And for those with the financial means, donating is also a vital way to contribute.

Volunteering at the Food Shelf

Volunteering at the Second Harvest Heartland food shelf offers a unique opportunity to directly impact the lives of those in need. Imagine walking into a warehouse filled with shelves stocked with food, ready to be distributed. Volunteers play a crucial role in organizing, sorting, and packaging these food items. They interact with community members, providing a friendly face and a helping hand. It's a rewarding experience that allows volunteers to see the immediate impact of their efforts on those who are struggling. For example, one volunteer shared how a simple act of helping a family select food for their holiday meal brought a smile to their faces and warmed their hearts.

Petitioning Elected Officials

Petitioning elected officials is another important aspect of the “Make Hunger History” campaign. By raising awareness about the issue of hunger and advocating for increased support, community members can play a role in shaping policies that address this problem. It's about using our collective voice to demand action from those in power. When elected officials hear from their constituents about the importance of addressing hunger, they are more likely to prioritize it in their decision-making. This can lead to increased funding for food programs, the creation of new initiatives, and overall improvements in the fight against hunger.

Financial Donations

Financial donations are a crucial source of support for Second Harvest Heartland. Every dollar donated goes directly towards purchasing food and providing essential services to those in need. Even a small donation can make a big difference. For instance, a donation of $50 can provide a week's worth of food for a family. These funds help to stock the shelves and ensure that there is an ample supply of food available. Additionally, financial donations can be used to fund outreach programs and educational initiatives that aim to prevent hunger in the first place. By investing in these efforts, we can work towards creating a more food-secure community for everyone.If you need food for you and your family, call or text 866-844-3663 or click this link to see food shelves near you. Let's come together during this holiday season and make a real impact on hunger in our communities.