Ahead of the holiday season, Gov. Tim Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan last week announced $5 million in new funding for Minnesota’s food shelves.

With significant increases in food shelf demand this season, Walz will allocate $5 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds for Minnesota’s seven regional food banks. Lieutenant Governor Flanagan made the announcement at Second Harvest Heartland alongside Second Harvest Heartland CEO Allison O’Toole, Neighborhood House President Nancy Brady, and Minnesota Department of Human Services Commissioner Jodi Harpstead.

“No family should go hungry this holiday season,” said Walz. “As we continue working to lower costs, we’re making sure our state’s food banks can keep helping families get what they need. We’re grateful for the continued collaboration with partners like Second Harvest that are helping Minnesotans all year round.”

"Food shelves and banks step up to help Minnesotans put food on the table when resources are stretched thin,” said Flanagan. “I’m proud our administration can do our part in providing an additional $5 million to support the year-round work that connects Minnesotans with food resources, especially to meet the rising demand during the holiday season.”

The funds will be allocated to Minnesota’s seven regional food banks to support the purchase and distribution of in-demand foods at food shelves.

This funding comes in addition to $5 million in emergency food shelf funding the Governor signed into law in February.