Create Positive Change
Each time you shop at the co-op, you have a chance to directly support local community partners by donating your 10-cent reusable bag credits and rounding up your purchases to the nearest dollar. It may only be a few cents or spare change, but your generosity makes a huge impact — to the tune of over $10,000 each month for our Positive Change recipients!
WHAT IS MINNESOTA FOODSHARE?
Each year, Mississippi Market participates in the Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign, which provides funds, food and educational materials to nearly 300 food shelves across the state. Minnesota FoodShare began its work in 1982, with a campaign to restock food shelves after holiday donations in the Twin Cities metro area. The effort was so successful that it expanded to a statewide effort and is now the largest grassroots food and fund drive in the state, having raised over $18.5 million in donations.
This year’s campaign comes at a pivotal moment for Minnesotans. Operation Metro Surge, combined with disruptions to SNAP and food shelf funding, has created layered barriers to food access. For many immigrant and refugee families in the Twin Cities, uncertainty affects daily decisions about where to shop, how to travel, and whether it feels safe to seek support. At the same time, economic instability is stretching household budgets across the region. Our food shelf partners are reporting a sharp increase in demand and a rise in first-time visitors to their food programs.
What we are seeing is clear. When public systems feel unstable or inaccessible, people turn to trusted community-based organizations. Neighborhood food shelves and cultural community hubs often serve as first responders in moments like this. They are providing food in ways that honor language, culture and dignity, while working to ensure families can access support without fear. Individuals, organizations and non-profits alike have seen that this moment requires flexibility, creativity and additional financial support. We feel the call to strengthen the local safety net so that every neighbor has reliable access to good food, and hope you will join us this month.
When you give to your neighborhood food shelf, one dollar can be turned into two to three meals and feed a person for a day. Twenty dollars can feed a family of four for five days. This year, our goal is to collect 20,000 dollars/pounds for our five local food shelves. In 2025, there was over 9 million visits to Minnesota food shelves and banks.
WAYS TO SUPPORT FOOD ACCESS THIS MARCH
- Shop at the Co-op & Round Up! Your Positive Change Round Up money directly supports Hallie Q. Brown Community Center, Keystone Community Services, Department of Indian Work, Neighborhood House, and Merrick Community Services.
- Donate shelf-stable items in the bins near the cashier stations at the Co-op
- Volunteer your time to fight food insecurity in our neighborhoods with Sanneh Foundation
- Advocate at the Capitol with us at Hunger Day on the Hill in partnership with The Food Group.
- Join us in store for our Final Saturday Donation Push for Immigrant Families in partnership with Neighborhood House!
