Mobile Foodshelf (MFS) is a program designed to help Twin Cities residents who are experiencing hunger and struggle to access food from traditional food shelves.
What is Mobile Foodshelf?
MFS Hi-Rise was established in 2001 as a partnership between Emergency Foodshelf Network (EFN) and the Minneapolis Public Hi-Rise Association. Recently, the program has expanded to partner with Loaves & Fishes, increasing access to supplemental food through MFS Loaves & Fishes.
Each month, MFS Hi-Rise helps participants overcome barriers to accessing emergency food by bringing a three to four day supply of supplemental food directly to housing complexes in the Twin Cities. Additionally, MFS Loaves & Fishes provides individuals with monthly packages of supplemental food at community centers and faith organizations where Loaves & Fishes meals are served.
It's About Access
MFS serves low-income individuals and families who have trouble accessing emergency food from traditional food shelves for a number of reasons including lack of transportation, limited mobility, social stigma, and cultural reservations.
Types of Food Distributed
Once per month, the MFS programs offer participants a variety of high quality, nutritious foods that are received by EFN through community food drives and the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). Foods distributed through MFS includes non-perishable fruits and vegetables, a variety of grains including rice and spaghetti, dried beans, juices, milk, and frozen meat.
Results
In 2010, EFN’s Mobile Foodshelf program distributed over 208, 708 pounds of food through MFS Hi-Rise and MFS Loaves & Fishes, providing emergency food to over 8,974 Twin Cities residents facing hunger.
Become a Distribution Partner
We are continuously exploring opportunities to expand the Mobile Foodshelf programs to assist communities with supplemental food. If you are interested in becoming a participating Mobile Foodshelf location, please contact Alexandra Andersen via phone at 763-450-4212 or via email at aandersen@emergencyfoodshelf.org.