Greater Twin Cities United Way Launches Emergency Food Relief Campaign to Combat Hunger Crisis Amid Anticipated SNAP Shutdown 

October 30, 2025 (Minneapolis, MN) – In response to a growing food emergency, Greater Twin Cities United Way (United Way) today launched its Emergency Food Relief Campaign, a multi-channel effort to provide immediate support to families facing hunger due to already-strained food shelves, rising food costs, the federal government shutdown, and the anticipated disruption and loss of SNAP benefits. 

With over 440,000 Minnesotans – including children, seniors and working families – potentially losing access to critical food support, food shelves are overwhelmed and demand for assistance is surging. United Way’s 211 resource helpline, which connects people to community resources that help them meet their basic needs, has seen an 82% increase in food-related requests in recent weeks. 

“This is a crisis,” said John Wilgers, President and CEO of Greater Twin Cities United Way. “Families are making impossible choices between groceries, rent and medicine. We’re calling on our community to come together and help ensure everyone has the food they need to thrive.” 

Most families affected are ALICE (Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, Employed) – working Minnesotans who don’t earn enough to meet basic needs. “SNAP provides a vital lifeline to our communities’ teachers, healthcare workers, daycare providers, and cashiers,” said Shannon Smith Jones, Senior Vice President of Community Impact. “They help keep our economy going but still face hunger. The anticipated loss of SNAP will push many from hardship into crisis.” 

To date, United Way has distributed $105,000 in emergency grants to nonprofit partners to help get food to families. These grants support Route 1, The People's Market and The Food Group, helping them meet growing demand and overcome logistical barriers. United Way is also working with coalition partners to advocate for the protection and potential restoration of SNAP benefits. 

“United is the way we respond,” said Kristina Salkowski, Senior Vice President of Advancement. “For over 100 years, Greater Twin Cities United Way has been here for our neighbors, meeting urgent community needs while making lasting change. Today we’re mobilizing volunteers, donors and corporate partners to provide immediate food relief for our friends, family and neighbors. Please join us.” 

HOW TO HELP 

• Donate: Donate today to ensure every child, family and neighbor has the food they need during this critical time. Give online at community.gtcuw.org/food.  

• Volunteer at Home: Help provide food to neighbors who urgently need it most. Sign up to purchase and drop off essential food items at specified locations around the Twin Cities. Sign up at gtcuw.org/food.  

• Host a Food Drive or Volunteer Project: Host a food drive or onsite company volunteer event to assemble essential food packs. Email VolunteerUnited@gtcuw.org to learn how United Way can partner with you. 

WHERE TO FIND HELP

• Looking for support? United Way’s 211 resource helpline is available 24/7 and refers people to food programs, rental assistance, childcare and other critical services. Call 211 or visit 211unitedway.org. 

Learn more about how you can help at gtcuw.org/food. 

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About Greater Twin Cities United Way
Greater Twin Cities United Way unites changemakers, advocates for social good, and develops solutions to address the challenges no one can solve alone to create a community where all people thrive regardless of income, race or place. For more information, visit gtcuw.org and follow us on LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.