The Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank reports that 41% more seniors in Northeastern Minnesota and Northwestern Wisconsin have required food assistance this spring. That figure is in comparison to the same time period last year. They believe that it has to do with the COVID-19 pandemic according to Shaye Morris, Second Harvest Food Bank's Executive Director,

"Pre-Covid, we weren't seeing as many seniors at our region's hunger-relief prgorams. Since spring of last year the number of seniors accessing food has increased dramatically and has stayed at a high level."

Now because of the need to help seniors, Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank is launching a campaign this week as part of Older Americans Months.  They are promoting their NE Minnesota Nutrition Assistance Programs for Seniors (NAPS), and other services available to Northland Seniors.

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NAPS provides monthly supplies of food to income eligible seniors. In addition to the NAPS program, other food shelves, mobile food pantries, and more programs are available to help Northland Seniors.

A third of Seniors receiving assistance are over the age of 60. Their Mobile Food Pantry Program has become even more popular with seniors with the drive thru format in rural communities. It has helped seniors access the food assistance.

In the last year there also was the US Coronavirus Food Assistance Program that was barrier free and helped reach seniors as well.

If you would like more information on how to access resources, or if you would like to donate to the organization you can visit them online. 

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