Second Harvest Northland Reports Increased Food Distribution in 2024

DULUTH, Minn. — In just the last year, Second Harvest Northland has reported an increase in their food distribution programs, serving up an additional 370,000 meals.

Second Harvest Northland services 15 counties in northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin.

Through the organization’s food shelves, on-site meal program, and tribal organizations, they have increased food distribution by 4%, which equated to about 370,000 meals.

According to Second Harvest, about 1 in 6 children, and more than 63,990 people in their service area, don’t know where their next meal is coming from.

“Second Harvest Northland impacts over 70,000 people throughout Northeastern Minnesota and Northwestern Wisconsin, and we have a really rural region. We are supporting neighbors and agency community partners from International Falls down to Princeton and from Brainerd all the way over to Hurley, WI,” said Shaye Morris, the President and CEO of Second Harvest Northland. “To be able to see these results and know that we’re really impacting even more of our neighbors who are experiencing hunger really feels good for our team, our board, and it should feel good for all of our donors and volunteers throughout our region.”

In addition to their increase food distribution, they sourced 15% more fresh produce, dairy, meats, fish, and poultry. Second Harvest Northland also reduced expenses by 11%, which they plan to invest in their programs and services for neighbors in need.

This comes one year after Second Harvest Northern Great Lakes Food Bank merged with Second Harvest North Central Food Bank after 40-years as operating as separate entities.