Fact Sheet

The Emergency Foodshelf Network (EFN) is a nonprofit organization that collects, warehouses and distributes high quality food and essential support services to Minnesota hunger relief organizations.

Our family of programs include food banking, food rescue, supplemental nutrition for families and seniors, and customized support services such as infrastructure, equipment, and technology for hunger relief organizations. Our network of over 180 hunger relief programs provide millions of pounds of nonperishable, perishable and prepared food to hundreds of thousands of hungry individuals and families each year.

In 2006, 91 cents of every $1 raised was spent directly on our programs and only 4% of our revenue was spent on fundraising. Through donations from the community, EFN provided nearly $7.6 million in benefits and savings to our network last year.

Unlike other food banks, EFN does not charge membership, handling or delivery fees to its network of hunger relief programs. At EFN, free really means free!

Below is a list of services we provide through our family of programs:

Free Food - EFN distributed 737,000 pounds of food to its network of hunger relief programs at no charge in 2006. This allowed them to collectively save over $1.9 million on the cost of food.

Bulk Food Purchasing Opportunities - For those hunger relief organizations needing more than the free food they receive, EFN purchases quality food items in bulk at the lowest possible prices and make it available at or below retail prices. Last year, organizations purchased over $607,000 of food, which allowed them to save $360,000.

Fare For All Program -Offers food packages to families looking to stretch their food-purchasing power. Each month, participants pay $17.00 and receive $40.00 worth of quality fruits, vegetables and meats. Last year, this program distributed 790,000 pounds of food to 85,000 people.

All Seasons Food Rescue Program - Collects and distributes perishable food (that would otherwise go to waste). Last year, this program rescued and distributed 235,000 pounds of free food to local hunger relief organizations, saving individuals and families $880,000.

Mobile Foodshelf Program - Distributes supplemental food to subsidized housing complexes - the majority of the residents are senior citizens. Last year, EFN delivered 170,000 pounds of food through this program.

Support Services - In our continuing effort to support hunger relief organizations, EFN provides additional free and subsidized services such as: systems/technology support, volunteer services, grants, equipment repair, and delivery services. These services collectively saved agencies over $4.2 million last year.