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   Amidst increasing food insecurity in NE Minnesota and NW Wisconsin, Second Harvest Northland is joining forces with nearly 200 of its Feeding America™ Food Bank peers, to raise awareness, food, and funds during September’s Hunger Action Month.

   Support garnered will be used for Second Harvest’s programs and services which benefit the 1 in 9 Northland neighbors, including over 18,000 children, who are experiencing hunger throughout its 15-county NE Minnesota and NW Wisconsin service region.

   “We’re using this special month to raise awareness of the issue of hunger in our Northland communities,” stated Shaye Moris, Second Harvest Northland’s President/CEO. “We’re encouraging people to join our movement by donating funds, food, volunteering, raising awareness and advocating for the Farm Bill.”

   The announcement comes at a time when food insecurity has increased in the Northland. With the end of post-pandemic benefits, the region’s 60 area food shelves supported by Second Harvest are experiencing 30-40% increases in demand. In fact, the most recent “Map the Meal Gap” nationwide food insecurity data released earlier this year reveals that, 1 in 9 Northland neighbors (63,900) and 1 in 6 children (18,390) report not having enough food to live a healthy and active life. Food insecurity amongst the general population and population of children ranks higher than Minnesota and Wisconsin’s state average within all 15-counties supported by Second Harvest Northland.

   “Our food provides stability and nourishes our Northland neighbors in need,” Moris shares. “It allows children to grow up healthy, focus and concentrate in school. It ensures vitality, a sense of well-being and stability for adults. It allows seniors access to essential nutrients which supports their good health.”

   September marks the 17th year that the food bank has participated in this annual event known as Hunger Action Month™. Second Harvest’s events include a “Behind the Scenes” tour they will host for the public on September 12, 2024, 12 p.m. at their east facility 4503 Airpark Boulevard, Duluth, and on September 18, 2024, 12 p.m. at their west facility 2222 Cromell Drive, Grand Rapids, MN. In addition, the nationwide Hunger Action Day will be held on September 10, 2024, and those taking action are encouraged to share their actions on social media tagging @secondharvestnorthland and using #Hunger Action Month.

   For more information about Second Harvest Northland, (218) 727-5653, [email protected] or visit www.secondharvestnorthland.org.

About Second Harvest Northland

   Second Harvest Northland is the region’s only “food bank,” accessing nationally and regionally donated and purchased product for 113 agency and community partners (food shelves, on-site meal programs, and tribal organizations), 268 programs, and approximately 70,000 food-insecure children, seniors and adults throughout 15 counties in NE Minnesota (St. Louis, Carlton, Lake, Cook, Aitkin, Cass, Crow Wing, Itasca, Koochiching, Kanabec, and Mille Lacs counties St. Louis, Carlton, Lake and Cook counties) and NW Wisconsin (Douglas, Bayfield, Ashland and Iron counties). In addition to providing food to other non-profit programs, Second Harvest provides support to thousands of people directly as part of its two Food Shelves, Mobile Food Pantry, Nutrition for Seniors, School Pantry and BackPack Programs. Over the last year, Second Harvest has accessed and distributed 13.2 million pounds of food or the equivalent of 10.6 million meals for people experiencing hunger throughout the Northland.

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