Impact and Programs
Accomplishments
In 2018, FFEN's engaged philanthropy approach supported operations and service optimization at 23 food shelves across 18 counties in Minnesota. Each food shelf engagement was customized to the specific organization as well as the local community and ranged from being a sounding board for food shelf staff/volunteers as they implemented change to playing the lead, project manager role in the food shelf transformation process. As food shelf engagement expanded last year, FFEN also increased focus on ensuring our own sustainability to continue to impact the food shelf system into the future. FFEN hired a new executive director to provide leadership for program development and expand the FFEN community of donors, volunteers and food shelf partners. For FFEN, 2018 was a critical year for continuing to clarify our unique role in the sector and capture process learnings that will help us launch into the future.
Current Goals
FFEN's work with MN food shelves will continue to focus on these priorities: 1. Infusing business best practices into food shelf processes; 2. Increasing fresh food access for food shelf clients; 3. Increasing food choice and predictability for food shelf clients. Our efforts in 2019 will strategically target rural and urban food shelves that are under-resourced relative to the need in their community. This year, we anticipate working alongside over 25 food shelves to support their service transformation and sustainability to more effectively serve their community.
Community or Constituency Served
FFEN targets its work to food shelves that are most under-resourced relative to community need. Often these food shelves are in rural or urban settings where staff resources and budget are limited and focused on responding to community needs.
Geographic Area Served
FFEN partners with local food shelves throughout the state of Minnesota.
