Supportive Services

Food Resources: No One Should Go Hungry in Minnesota

Food shelves, hot meals, SNAP, WIC, mobile pantries — free and low-cost food is available across the Twin Cities. You deserve to eat well, and help is closer than you think.

1 in 9

Minnesotans experience food insecurity

600+

Food shelf locations across MN

Cost at most food shelves — no income required

Why Food Security Is the Foundation of Health

Food insecurity affects physical health, mental wellbeing, children’s development, and the ability to concentrate at work or school. It is a crisis — and one with real solutions.

1 in 9

Minnesotans face food insecurity

35%

Increase in food shelf visits post-pandemic

1 in 4

MN children live in food-insecure households

600+

Food shelf locations across Minnesota

“Food insecurity doesn’t just cause hunger — it causes anxiety, poor concentration, and health problems that make every other challenge harder to overcome.”

— Second Harvest Heartland, Twin Cities

Find a food shelf or learn about food programs in your area.

Second Harvest Heartland →Waypoint Food Directory

Types of Food Help Available

Minnesota’s food support network is comprehensive — from immediate emergency food to ongoing monthly assistance programs. Here is what is available.

🏠

Food Shelves

Free groceries for households in need. Most food shelves serve anyone, regardless of income or documentation. Visit as often as needed — many allow multiple visits per month.

🍳

Hot Meal Programs

Free, prepared meals served daily at shelters, churches, and community centers across Minneapolis. No registration required. Sharing & Caring Hands serves breakfast and lunch Monday–Friday.

💳

SNAP (Food Stamps)

Monthly electronic benefits to buy groceries at most stores. Eligible for most low-income households. Apply online at mnbenefits.mn.gov or call 612-596-1300.

🚴

Mobile Food Pantries

Second Harvest Heartland operates mobile pantries throughout the metro that bring free food directly to neighborhoods. No registration required at most sites.

👶

WIC Program

Special food vouchers and nutrition support for pregnant women, new mothers, and children up to age 5. Call Hennepin County WIC at 612-543-0700 to enroll.

🎓

School Meals & Summer Food

Free or reduced-price breakfast and lunch at Minneapolis schools. Summer food programs serve all children under 18 at no cost throughout the summer months.

Find food shelves and hot meal programs near you in the Twin Cities.

Second Harvest Food Finder →Sharing & Caring Hands

SNAP & Government Food Benefits

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) is the largest food assistance program in the US. If you qualify, it can provide significant monthly support for groceries.

SNAP basics:

Who qualifies: Most households with gross income below 130% of the federal poverty level. Many immigrants and mixed-status families also qualify.
How much: Average SNAP benefit in MN is about $230/month per person. Amounts are based on household size and income.
What it covers: Most grocery store food items — produce, meat, dairy, bread, cereals, and seeds to grow food.
How to apply: Apply at mnbenefits.mn.gov, call 612-596-1300, or visit a Hennepin County Service Center at 300 S 6th St, Minneapolis.
WIC: For women, infants, and children up to age 5. Provides specific food vouchers plus nutrition education. Call 612-543-0700.

What you’ll need to apply for SNAP

Proof of identity (ID, passport, or birth certificate)
Proof of income (pay stubs, benefits letter)
Social Security numbers for household members
Proof of residency (utility bill, lease)
Immigration documents if applicable

Undocumented? Even if you don’t qualify for SNAP, your US-born children do. And many food shelves have no documentation requirements at all.

Apply for SNAP and food benefits through the Minnesota Benefits portal.

Apply for SNAP on MN Benefits →Hennepin County Food Benefits

How to Find Food Right Now

Whether you need food today or want to set up a longer-term resource, here is a step-by-step guide to accessing food support in Minneapolis.

1
Need food today? Call 211 or go to a food shelf
Dial 211 to find the nearest open food shelf or hot meal site. Most food shelves do not require appointments or ID — just show up.
2
Visit NorthPoint Food Shelf
Located at 1313 Penn Ave N, Minneapolis. Serves North Minneapolis residents with free groceries. Call 612-767-9500 for hours and availability.
3
Visit Sharing & Caring Hands
Located at 525 N 7th St, Minneapolis. Hot meals served Monday–Friday plus groceries and hygiene items. Call 612-338-4640 for current schedule.
4
Apply for SNAP for ongoing monthly support
Apply online at mnbenefits.mn.gov or call 612-596-1300. SNAP provides monthly grocery benefits and is the most reliable long-term food support available.
5
Find a mobile pantry near you
Second Harvest Heartland (2harvest.org) runs a free food finder to locate mobile pantries, food shelves, and meal programs by ZIP code.

📞 Call 211 anytime

Dial 211 or text your ZIP code to 898-211 to find the nearest food resources. Free, confidential, available 24/7 in multiple languages.

Find a food shelf or hot meal site near you right now.

Second Harvest Food Finder →Waypoint Food Directory

Local Food Resources — Quick Reference

Trusted organizations providing food assistance across Minneapolis and Hennepin County — from hot meals to monthly SNAP support.

Organization	What They Provide	Who They Serve	Contact
Second Harvest Heartland	Food shelves & mobile pantries	All individuals, no ID required	651-484-5117
Sharing & Caring Hands	Hot meals, groceries, hygiene	All individuals, walk-in	612-338-4640
NorthPoint Food Shelf	Free groceries	North Minneapolis residents	612-767-9500
MN Benefits (SNAP & WIC)	SNAP & WIC enrollment	Low-income households	mnbenefits.mn.gov
Hennepin County WIC	WIC food vouchers	Women, infants, children under 5	612-543-0700
Waypoint Food Directory	Full directory of food programs	All Hennepin County residents	gis.hennepin.us/waypoint

Find food shelves, meal programs, and SNAP resources across the Twin Cities through these directories.