New pop-up food pantry opens at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center to combat food insecurity 

This initiative aims to provide vital food assistance as more than 600 enrolled Veterans have been identified as experiencing food insecurity in 2024.

"We are committed to increasing food resources for Veterans with food insecurity," said Pat Kelly, director of the Minneapolis VA Health Care System. "We saw a need within the Veteran community for a food pantry, and we’re partnering with organizations to meet that need."

The Center for Development & Civic Engagement is leading the charge within the Minneapolis VA, pulling in organizations like DAV of Minnesota Foundation and Second Harvest Heartland who have committed to partnering to help get a sustainable food pantry off the ground to fill this critical need.

“We see food insecurity on a daily basis,” said Alyssa Carlstrom, one of four dietitians in the Out-Patient Primary Care Clinic at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center. “We currently are referring Veterans out into the community for food resources, and we want to meet their needs here.” 

Carlstrom says she has noted an increased number of Veterans who have expressed food insecurity concerns over last year. It is heartbreaking, as she knows healthy and nutritious food is a key component to good health. 

The Pop-Up Food Pantry opens on May 21 from 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m., or until supplies last. It will continue to pop-up every third Tuesday throughout the year.

Melanie Nelson, Public Affairs Officer

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