Second Harvest Northland Reports 4% Food Distribution Increase After 2024 Merger

Duluth, Minn. – Second Harvest Northland, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting food insecurity, announced on Monday that it has increased its food distribution by 4% over the past year. This milestone comes after the successful merger of Grand Rapids and Duluth’s food bank organizations on January 1, 2024. The newly united organization, Second Harvest Northland, has made strides in supporting communities across northeast Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin.

The 4% increase in food distribution represents approximately 370,000 additional meals delivered to individuals and families facing hunger. The organization attributes this success to its improved efficiency and a broader reach made possible by the merger.

---

Addressing Food Insecurity in the Region

According to Second Harvest Northland, food insecurity in the region remains higher than the state averages for Minnesota and Wisconsin. One in six children in the Northland region faces food insecurity, meaning they are unsure when or where their next meal will come from. In total, over 63,990 neighbors in the region experience food insecurity.

These figures emphasize the urgent need for community-driven efforts to combat hunger. “The merger allowed us to extend our service capacity and cut unnecessary expenses, which directly benefits those in need,” explained Shaye Moris, president and CEO of Second Harvest Northland.

---

Benefits of the Merger

The merger has not only increased the number of meals distributed but has also improved cost efficiency. The organization reports that it has been able to reduce expenses by 11%, enabling it to reinvest savings into programs and services that have a direct impact on those facing hunger.

Moris stated, “We plan to invest in initiatives that ensure resources are distributed effectively and equitably to those who need them the most.” These cost-saving measures and strategic investments reflect the organization’s commitment to maximizing its impact within the community.

---

Expanding Service to 15 Counties

Second Harvest Northland operates across a 15-county region, covering areas in northeast Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin. This makes it Minnesota’s second-largest food bank, trailing only the Second Harvest food bank in the Twin Cities.

This extensive service area allows the organization to collaborate with agency and community partners, including food pantries, soup kitchens, and local organizations, to deliver food and resources where they are needed most.

---

Ongoing Challenges

While the merger and distribution increases are significant achievements, the fight against food insecurity continues to face challenges. Rising food costs, economic disparities, and the ongoing effects of inflation have increased the strain on families and nonprofits alike.

“Families are still struggling to meet basic needs, and children are disproportionately affected,” Moris shared. “With our expanded reach, we aim to bring more resources to these vulnerable groups and address disparities in food access.”

---

Moving Forward

Second Harvest Northland has pledged to build on its achievements in the coming year by introducing more innovative programs and strengthening partnerships. The organization also plans to raise awareness about food insecurity and advocate for policies that support hunger relief efforts.

Community members and organizations can contribute to the cause by volunteering, donating, or participating in local food drives. “Every contribution, no matter how small, helps us feed more people and strengthen our community,” said Moris.

---

How to Support Second Harvest Northland

Second Harvest Northland encourages individuals and businesses to get involved by:

• Volunteering: Help sort and distribute food.
• Donating: Monetary donations go further due to the organization’s ability to purchase food in bulk.
• Hosting Food Drives: Collect non-perishable items to support local pantries.
• Spreading Awareness: Share information about food insecurity in your community.

To learn more about their programs or how you can help, visit their official website or download the Northern News Now app.

---

Final Thoughts

Second Harvest Northland’s progress demonstrates how strategic changes, like organizational mergers, can significantly improve the ability to serve those in need. As one of the largest food banks in the state, it remains committed to reducing food insecurity and ensuring no child or family goes hungry.

With continued community support and partnerships, the organization hopes to sustain its impact and achieve even greater results in the future.

Disclaimer – Our editorial team has thoroughly fact-checked this article to ensure its accuracy and eliminate any potential misinformation. We are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of integrity in our content.

About The Author