Chat with Chad: The State of Food in Security in Minnesota
By Chad Lanners, Executive Director, CROSS Services
Minnesota is known for its strong communities and generosity, but food insecurity remains a growing challenge. According to the 2024 Statewide Hunger Study by Second Harvest Heartland, 1 in 5 households in Minnesota struggle to afford enough food.
At CROSS Services, our mission has always been to see a decline in food shelf visits, as this would indicate that individuals and families are achieving greater self-sufficiency. However, the current trend shows an increase in these visits, signaling that more community members are in need of assistance.
TENUOUS TIMES FOR FOOD INSECURITY FUNDING
A recent report from Bring Me The News highlights a troubling development: a key Minnesota anti-hunger nonprofit has been locked out of federal funding, putting further strain on the statewide food assistance network. With potential funding cuts and increased demand, more families are turning to local food shelves like CROSS for help.
Additionally, potential cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) could exacerbate this issue. As noted by the Star Tribune, proposed federal budget reductions may lead to a $30 billion cut in SNAP funding, which would have an immediate and devastating impact on families already struggling to get food on the table. This type of drastic cut would also send shock waves through the rest of the hunger ecosystem, straining food shelves and other hunger relief programs.
The reality is stark: as safety net programs struggle or face reductions, more families and individuals find themselves at our doors seeking emergency food assistance. This growing demand stretches our resources, making our donors and volunteers more critical than ever.
SHOW YOUR #LOVE4CROSS
In these uncertain times, we must come together. This February, join our #Love4CROSS campaign. A sustaining donation or an increase in your annual giving helps ensure that we can continue providing food and essential support to those who need it most. Your generosity makes a real impact—offering stability, hope, and nourishment to families in crisis.
Make a sustaining donation today and stand with us in the fight against hunger. Together, we can build a stronger, more food-secure Minnesota.
