Minnesota food shelves are looking more like grocery stores, but federal cuts threaten their future - Austin Daily Herald

Minnesota food shelves are looking more like grocery stores, but federal cuts threaten their future - Austin Daily Herald

By Hannah Yang Hunger relief organizations are working to de-stigmatize visits to the local food shelf: making them feel like nothing more than a trip to the grocery store. Several Minnesota food shelves are implementing shopper-choice models, which provide visitors access to fresh, nutritious food options while emphasizing dignity. But deep federal budget cuts make the future of these programs uncertain. Jill Branson, 69, of St. Peter visits th…

Minnesota food shelves are looking more like grocery stores, but federal cuts threaten their future

St. Peter's food shelf renovated its space this summer to create a "Super Shelf" to provide those in need of food assistance with an experience more like that of a supermarket. The program provides customers with a greater sense of dignity and less embarrassment. But federal budget cuts may significantly reduce the food aid this and similar hunger relief organizations provide.