Below is a note the SOTV Food Shelf received:
Dear hunger relief partners:
We wanted to send you a brief note to say – thank you. On behalf of the state of Minnesota, our families, our communities, thank you.
You have been on the front lines since the beginning of this pandemic – changing your operations, supporting volunteers, resolving supply chain challenges, and assuring clients – all to ensure that the people of Minnesota can safely access food so they do not go hungry.
You represent the best of One Minnesota, including food shelves, food banks, meal programs, Tribal Nations, local government, the private sector, and so much more. Together, you have shown what it means to care for one another through the power of food.
At a time when so much is uncertain, knowing where your next meal will come from should not be in doubt. Thanks to your hard work, you’ve made sure that’s true for thousands of families.
We know this work can be both energizing and exhausting, often at the same time. You have made sacrifices and continue to show up day in and day out. Many of you have been impacted by the increases in cases and transmission in the community. We want to assure you that our teams continue to monitor and analyze patterns of transmission. The measures you are taking to stay safe are working – keep it up.
The hunger relief network in Minnesota is strong, deep, and resilient. When this is all said and done, people will remember your heroic efforts to serve more people than ever. You have responded to increased need with dignity, kindness, and respect. Whether you’re delivering food, packing it into boxes, or adapting your spaces to welcome clients in new ways, you make a difference each and every day.
Please take care of yourselves and know that we are grateful for all that do you.
Thank you,
Tim Walz, Governor Peggy Flanagan, Lt. Governor