Second Harvest, Essentia, and St Louis County Highlight Food Resources Available Amid Snap Freeze

DULUTH, Minn. — A press conference took place highlighting food resources available in the community and across the northland today.

Essentia Health, Second Harvest Northland and St. Louis County gathered to share information and resources in the wake of the Snap Benefit freeze.

Second Harvest is using resources available to strengthen their support of area food shelves and their programming.

They are working hard to continue ensuring anyone in need has access to fresh healthy food.

“We are here for you. If COVID has proved one thing, it’s that we know how to come together, and we will continue to do that to make sure that all families, children and seniors in our region have the food they need to thrive. So, I am calling on everybody watching this today to please support your food banks, your food shelves, and make sure again, that our neighbors have the resources they need.” said Shaye Moris, President and CEO of Second Harvest Northland.

While food donations are always accepted, monetary donations go much further.

Essentia’s Community Outreach Manager was there, sharing a website for helping people find resources and food assistance.

“This website allows you to search by zip code to find resources close to home and then search by category such as food pantry or help paying for food or home delivered meals and more. In searching resourceful for food in Duluth, a pop up actually brings you to a food resource calendar that can get you connected to hot meals, groceries, what days of the week they’re available and who’s eligible.” said Jill Doberstein, Community Outreach Manager at Essentia Health.

The website is weareresourceful.org

It’s a free, public website that anyone can access.

The resourceful platform allows people to self-refer and for helpers to refer their patients, their clients, their students or neighbors to programs or services that they qualify for.