Food Connect

Bridging the gap in our food systems to build healthier communities

Food Connect, a nonprofit organization dedicated to bridging the gaps in our food system to end hunger, stop food waste and build health uses a logistics tech platform and leverages collaboration to deliver results. Currently, their hunger relief network spans more than 48 partners across 7 states, delivering over 200,000 last-mile meals monthly. The need is urgent as hunger continues to rise across Minnesota, with food shelf visits reaching 7.5 million in 2023 and projected to hit 9 million in 2024 — marking a third consecutive year of record-breaking demand. In the Twin Cities, Food Connect’s model capitalizes on the reach technology enables while hiring a local team to work with Twin Cities organization partners, ensuring food rescue and redistribution efforts are both effective and sustainable. 

Food Connect will collaborate with organizations like Youthprise, Feeding Frogtown, and Keystone Community Services to reach more than 20,000 residents over the next four years. Through these partnerships, Food Connect aims to distribute nearly 100,000 pounds of food, while rescuing close to 70,000 pounds of surplus food that would otherwise go to waste. Through partnerships like Youthprise, Food Connect will provide customized logistics and delivery services to streamline meal distribution, ensuring more young people get the nutrition they need to thrive. Additionally, Food Connect is collaborating with Hennepin County and Ramsey/Washington Recycling & Energy on a pilot program to increase sustainable food recovery, which expands access to food.