Record 172 million pounds of food distributed to food shelves amid high inflation, diesel prices

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Hunger relief organizations in Minnesota face unprecedented demand. According to Toni Scott, chief supply chain officer at Second Harvest, more than 172 million pounds means a 500 percent increase over the last two decades and a 20 percent increase in the last four years.

Demand for food is at an all-time high as Minnesota’s hunger relief network struggles to keep up with the pace amid higher grocery and fuel prices.

Second Harvest Heartland reports that at the end of fiscal year 2026, the regional food bank distributed more than 172 million pounds of food to food shelves statewide in the last year — a record amount. According to Toni Scott, chief supply chain officer at Second Harvest, that’s a 500 percent increase over the last two decades and a 20 percent increase in the last four years.

“What we haven’t seen is a slowdown,” Scott said. “The number of visits is accelera...