Local food shelf had record number of visits in 2024

Photo by Chad Koenen
The Henning Food Shelf had a record number of 576 visits last year. There was an average of 48 households that were served by the local food shelf each month during the past year.

The month of March has for more than four decades been designated as Minnesota FoodShare Month, a statewide campaign to help organizations like the Henning Community Food Shelf raise funds and collect food donations to help neighbors in need.

The local food shelf will again join nearly 300 food shelves statewide in participating in the 44th annual Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign, during which the Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches and its many corporate sponsors offer matching funds based on donations and food items collected locally from March 1 through April 6.

Minnesotans made a record-breaking 9 million visits to food shelves in 2024, up 20 percent from the previous record of 7.5 million set in 2023. Annual visits to food shelves statewide are now 150 percent higher than they were prior to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Henning Food Shelf had a record-breaking 576 visits by local individuals and families in 2024, an average of 48 households served per month. December was the highest month, serving 60 households before the holidays. Clients can visit the Henning Food Shelf once a month for food and personal care items.

While food donations are always appreciated by the Henning Food Shelf, financial support is preferred as dollars donated cannot only be matched this month, but can also go farther with access to reduced-cost offerings from North Country Food Bank and other sources, according to Karen Stueve, Henning Food Shelf director. If donating food items, please consider expiration dates. Also, open packages are not accepted and cannot be used, and any clothing donated is given to the Henning Salvation Army Thrift Store.

The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) weekly income guidelines of the USDA are listed below for those eligible to use local food shelves. Those who don’t fit these income guidelines may also qualify if they participate in any state or federal program or service such as SNAP, WIC, energy assistance, Head Start, etc. No one with a need is turned away other than to offer to refer them to a food shelf nearer to their residence after providing them with food.

TEFAP Income Eligibility

Family Size Annual Income

One Up to $45,180

Two $45,181-$61,320

Three $61,321-$77,460

Four $77,461-$93,600

Five $93,601-$109,740

Six $109,741-$125,880

Seven $125,881-$142,020

Eight $142,021-$158,160

Add $16,140/addl. family member

Henning Food Shelf is always seeking to reach more of those in need in the Henning area, so if you are among them or know of someone who could be using these resources, could pick up food for them or give them a ride to shop for themselves, please contact the food shelf.

Located at 604 2nd Street in the old city hall building, the Henning Food Shelf is open on Mondays from 3:30- 5 p.m. and other times by appointment by calling Karen Stueve at 583-2136. Financial contributions can be mailed anytime to P.O. Box 176, Henning, MN 56551. Volunteers at the food shelf thanks the community for their past and continued support.