Minnesota Power Foundation makes large donation to Second Harvest Northland

DULUTH, Minn. — A local non-profit has been gifted a large donation that will help serve the community for many years.

For the past three years, Second Harvest Northland has been expanding the distribution center they acquired in 2022. With the help of Minnesota Power and the Minnesota Power Foundation, they are able to complete phase 1 of the project.

The foundation donated a $100,000 check as part of Second Harvest’s Nourish the Northland Capital Campaign. A campaign aimed to raise $20 million, which is necessary to complete the construction of the facility.

Phase 1 raised $16.5 million, which was used to purchase the 60,000 sq. ft. facility, a 13,600 sq. ft. freezer and cooler, and a program drive-through. As well as a volunteer “clean room”, operations offices, parking, and landscaping.

“We also want to be good stewards in the communities that we serve and give back. And so this was a great way for us to be able to make sure that we’re living to our values of strengthening of communities and also an improving quality of life in the communities that we serve,” said Kate Van Daele, Community and Local Government Affairs Manager, Minnesota Power.

Phase 2 of the project raised $3.5 million to construct a market where people can choose their food like a grocery store. During this phase, they will also build volunteer and community engagement centers, aiming to complete both projects in the summer of 2026.

“We couldn’t do our work without partners like Minnesota Power, and again, for three decades, they’ve been a supporter, with volunteer support, with, you know, contributions like these, and that’s really what makes this work happen. So we’re just really grateful to Minnesota Power for this check and for being here today,” said Shaye Moris, President and CEO, Second Harvest Northland.

The new additions to the building will help distribute food to their service territories in northern Minnesota and Wisconsin.