For 45 years, March has been designated as Minnesota Food Share 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 45th annual Minnesota Food Share March Campaign, during which the Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches and its many corporate sponsors offer matching funds based on total donations and food items collected locally from March 1 through April 6.

The Henning Lions Club will be participating in the March campaign by sponsoring its annual Henning Food Shelf Fund Raiser Breakfast Buffet on Sunday, March 15, from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Henning Community Center, with all proceeds going to the food shelf.

The Henning Food Shelf had a record-breaking 650 visits by local individuals and families in 2025, an average of 54+ households served per month. November was the highest month, serving a record 72 households. 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 Community Thrift Store.

The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) annual income guidelines of the USDA are listed below for Minnesota residents 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 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 – MN:

Family Size Annual Income

One- up to $46,950

Two- $46,951-$63,450

Three- $63,451-$79,950

Four- $79,951-$96,450

Five- $96,451-$112,950

Six- $112,951-$129,450

Seven- $129,451-$145,950

Eight- $145,951-$162,450

Add- $16,500/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 218-583-2136. Financial contributions can be mailed anytime to P.O. Box 176, Henning, MN 56551 or dropped off at Thalmann’s Insurance in Henning.