Skip to content

Lt. Gov. Flanagan, nonprofits praise additional $3.3 million for prepared meals program

The prepared meals are for Minnesotans experiencing food insecurity who have trouble cooking meals due to lack of access to a kitchen or because they have a disability.

Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan and nonprofit leaders at the restaurant Cheng Heng in St. Paul. Photo by Michelle Griffith/Minnesota Reformer.

Table of Contents

By Michelle Griffith, Minnesota Reformer
Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, whose family relied on food shelves and public programs, was a fitting ambassador to announce $3.3 million in new spending over the next two years to fund a prepared meals grant program.

“This means a lot to me. It means a lot to our family and I know it means so much to Minnesotans across the state,” she said.

The prepared meals are for Minnesotans experiencing food insecurity who have trouble cooking meals due to lack of access to a kitchen or because they have a disability.

“It’s essential that we have programs that break down all the barriers to food insecurity, and for so many people who are facing hunger, receiving food only solves part of the problem,” Flanagan said. “That’s why supporting prepared meals is an essential part of the puzzle to benefit individuals and families with inconsistent access to kitchens.”

The $3.3 million grant, passed by the Legislature and signed by Gov. Tim Walz, is for fiscal years 2024-2025. Nonprofits and tribal nations are eligible to apply for the funds, and they must have a history of providing and distributing prepared meals that are customized to the people they serve depending on cultural, religious and dietary needs.

Nikki Farago, deputy commissioner at the Department of Human Services, said the agency is unsure how many organizations will receive grants from the program; the goal is to begin awarding funds later this year.

Kitchen Coalition, a program of the nonprofit Second Harvest Heartland, provides funding to local restaurants and businesses to make the prepared meals.

“We invest in local businesses to make our meals because we want meals that are made by community for community that are both nutritionally balanced and culturally affirming, “ said Robin Manthe, managing director of Kitchen Coalition. “This makes a difference for our neighbors.”

Flanagan and the nonprofit leaders gathered at the restaurant Cheng Heng in St. Paul — one Kitchen Coalition’s local meal distributors.

Manthe said Kitchen Coalition estimates it has distributed over 4 million meals since its inception in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Minnesota Reformer is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Minnesota Reformer maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Patrick Coolican for questions: info@minnesotareformer.com. Follow Minnesota Reformer on Facebook and Twitter.

Latest

Howie: Minnesota math still doesn’t add up for Republicans

Howie: Minnesota math still doesn’t add up for Republicans

A governor nobody loves but nobody can topple, against a Republican bench that looks like the Twins’ middle relief corps. Jensen is the blown save, Qualls is the preseason hype, Robbins is the protected rookie, and Stauber is the guy smart enough to stay in the dugout.

Members Public

Prep Sports Notebook

The HowieHanson.com is powered by Lyric Kitchen · Bar Hermantown’s depth carried the Hawks to a 5-2 victory over Stella Maris Academy in nonconference girls tennis on Tuesday afternoon. The Hawks swept the lower singles and all three doubles matches to lock down the team win. Alee Devlieger set

Members Public
Ten Tenors returning to DECC

Ten Tenors returning to DECC

The Duluth show, among the first Upper Midwest dates confirmed for the 30th Anniversary World Tour, is expected to feature signature medleys along with three new arrangements created for U.S. audiences.

Members Public