With SNAP and other government assistance programs in jeopardy, we recognize that many members of our community may be impacted by food insecurity.
Whole Foods Co-op remains a committed partner to regional food assistance programs, donating an average of $2,700 worth of food each week to local shelters, food shelves and on-site meal programs.
In addition, starting Nov. 1, Whole Foods Co-op is accepitng donations to Second Harvest Northland at our registers, with 100% of donations being given to the nonprofit.
For those looking for assistance
There are a number of organizations in Duluth who provide direct assistance. A short list of some of Duluth resources includes:
- Chum Food Shelf
- Community Action Duluth
- Damiano Center
- Second Harvest Northland
- Union Gospel Mission
- In addition, Ecolibrium3 regularily updates a Food Resources Calendar, a containing the names, locations, and hours for community food shelves, grocery pick ups, meal drop-offs, hot meals, and take-out meal opportunities. It also categorizes food resources by their relevance to older adults, youth, and SNAP card holders.
For those looking to help
The above nonprofits all take monetary donations. In the month of November you may also donate directly to Second Harvest at our cash registers.
If you’d like to contact your elected officials to advocate on behalf of SNAP shoppers to keep receiving their benefits regardless of whether the government remains shutdown, you can find their contact information by calling the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and telling them your address, or by looking up your legislators on GovTrack.US (scroll down to find the look-up tool).
When you call, a staffer will answer and write down your comments to share with the Congressperson.
You may use the following script, which may be modified as you’d like:
My name is [____]. I am deeply concerned about the insufficient federal funding for SNAP. Due to the shutdown, I am asking the [Congressman/woman/person] to urge USDA Secretary Rollins to release funds available to USDA in the SNAP Contingency Reserve to be used to fund November SNAP benefits and issue clear guidance to states on how to navigate benefit issuance. Additionally, please urge USDA to use its statutory transfer authority or any other legal authority to fully fund November benefits.
Thank you for your concern and engagement around this issue.