By the time food reaches the shelves at Valley Outreach, it has already traveled through a network of partners. Behind every gallon of milk, bag of apples, or box of cereal is a coordinated system known as the Hunger Relief Network—a partnership of farmers, manufacturers, food banks, food shelves, volunteers, donors, and community members working together to ensure everyone has access to nutritious food.

1. Food Sources: Where It All Begins

Food enters the hunger relief network from several key sources:

• Manufacturers & Farmers – These partners provide food through donations or reduced-cost purchases
• Distributors – Large-scale distributors often donate products or make them available at lower cost
• Retail Rescue – Local grocery stores and retailers donate fresh, safe food that they can no longer sell
• Government Commodities – Federal and state programs buy surplus food from farmers and provide it to food banks, helping support agriculture while ensuring families have access to food

2. The Food Bank: A Central Hub

Next, regional food banks receive food from various sources. The food bank acts as a warehouse and distribution center for the region.

At the food bank:

• Large shipments are received and sorted
• Food is inspected and organized
• Agencies (like Valley Outreach) order the items their communities need most
• Products are redistributed efficiently and equitably across the service area

By operating at scale, food banks can stretch every dollar and secure food at a fraction of retail cost, therefore maximizing the impact of donations.

3. Food Shelves: Community-Based Support

Then, local food shelves receive or pick up the food.

This is where organizations like Valley Outreach come in. As a community-based food shelf, we:

• Select food that reflects the preferences and cultures of clients
• Provide fresh produce, dairy, meat, and shelf-stable items in alignment with SuperShelf standards
• Rescue food from local Stillwater retailers including Cub, Target, Kowalski’s, Great Harvest Bread and Walmart
• Supplement food bank inventory with purchased essentials and community donations
• Distribute food directly to individuals and families

Food shelves are the front line of the hunger relief network. They meet people face-to-face and respond to local needs with flexibility and compassion.

4. Individuals & Families: The Heart of the Network

The most important part of this network are the individuals and families who rely on this network for support.

When a family or individual shops in the food shelf, they experience the support of:

• Farmers who grew the food
• Truck drivers who transported it
• Donors who funded it
• Volunteers who stocked it
• Food bank staff who coordinated it
• Community partners who made it possible

The hunger relief network is more than a typical supply chain. The community drives it, ensuring dignity, access, and shared responsibility.

Why This Network Matters

No single organization could meet the needs alone. However, the strength of the hunger relief network lies in collaboration. By working together, we reduce food waste, stretch resources, and ensure that healthy food reaches the people who need it most.

When someone gives, volunteers, donates food, or supports Valley Outreach, they are strengthening this entire system.

Because hunger relief isn’t just about food—it’s about connection.

How You Can Help

Let your local Minnesota state lawmakers know you support bills to strengthen the hunger relief network. Sign up for Action Alerts from The Food Group, our partners in advocacy, to learn more and stay informed.