Tower Area Food Shelf

The Tower Area Food Shelf has been locally supported and serving the needs of food-insecure households in Tower, Embarrass, Soudan, and the Bois Forte Reservation area for over 25 years. Many individuals and families in our community face challenges with food security, relying on the food shelf as part of their regular routine.

In 2024, the Tower Area Food Shelf distributed 32,322 pounds of food to 568 households, helping 1,300 individuals meet food insecurity needs. This estimates that 2,694 pounds of food were distributed to roughly 47 households each month. 

In 2024, Minnesotans made nearly 9 million visits to food shelves, 36% of which were children and 11% seniors. Visits have more than doubled since 2021. The cost of food prices also increased 28% from 2019, while SNAP benefits decreased (The Food Group, 2025).

Food insecurity is associated with numerous adverse social and health outcomes and is increasingly considered a critical public health issue. Key drivers of food insecurity include unemployment, poverty, and income shocks, which can prevent adequate access to food. Providing staples ranging from fresh produce to canned goods, food shelves are a valuable resource that provides households in need with access to healthy food.

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AEOA is proud to be the fiscal sponsor for several local shelves across the Arrowhead Region. Thank you for helping us fight hunger in our community. Every gift, big or small, makes a difference. Together, we can ensure that no one in our community goes hungry.