2025 Impact Report

Hunger in Minnesota is on the Rise

In 2025, changes and challenges to food benefit programs sent real and immediate ripple effects across our state. Families already navigating tight margins faced deeper uncertainty, and many neighbors turned to food shelves and meal programs for the first time in their lives. We saw it firsthand: rising demand, longer lines, and greater need in every community we serve.

When systems fell short, Loaves & Fishes rose to meet the moment as best we could, but even we were pushed in new ways. Our programs evolved to reach people where they are. Partnerships deepened. Staff and volunteers showed up, day after day, guided by a core belief that has never wavered: that everyone deserves access to nutritious food, no questions asked.

Together, with the support of donors, volunteers, partners, and staff, we served more than 6.3 million meals across Minnesota.

Behind that number are millions of moments of dignity and connection: a warm plate, a familiar face, a table where everyone is welcome.

The need is not going away; it’s only growing exponentially. But if this year taught us anything, it’s that this community does not back down from hard things. As we move into the future, we do so with determination, deepening the partnerships that multiply our reach, and building the kind of lasting capacity that can meet this moment and the ones still to come.

None of it happens without you. Thank you for standing with Loaves & Fishes through a year that tested us and strengthened us. Every gift, every volunteer shift, every shared meal, every time you told a friend about this work, it all added up to 6.3 million meals and countless moments of hope. Your support makes this work possible, and your belief in our mission fuels the road ahead. We are deeply grateful for your partnership.

Together, we will continue to nourish Minnesota, one meal at a time, no questions asked.

With gratitude,

The Loaves & Fishes Board of Directors