Every summer, thousands of Minnesota families face increased food insecurity as children are home from school and household grocery costs rise. At the same time, food shelves experience some of their highest demand while community donations often slow.
That’s why Valley Outreach is proud to participate in the 17th annual Open Your Heart Summer Challenge—a statewide fundraising initiative that helps food shelves raise critical funds during the busiest season of the year.
A Record Need Across Minnesota
In 2025, Minnesota food shelves reported more than 9 million visits, including 3 million visits from children, marking the fourth consecutive year of record-breaking demand.
A combination of rising food costs, changes to SNAP benefits, and the lasting impact of federal immigration enforcement has left more families struggling to put food on the table. During the summer months, when children no longer have access to school meals, many households turn to food shelves for additional support.
How the Summer Challenge Works
Throughout the month of July, every gift made to Valley Outreach helps us qualify for grant funds through the Open Your Heart Summer Challenge.
The amount of grant funding each participating food shelf receives is based on the total dollars raised during July. Every donation not only keeps our food shelf stocked today but can also increase the matching funds Valley Outreach receives to support the community in the months ahead.
A Statewide Impact
Since 1986, Open Your Heart to the Hungry and Homeless has invested millions of dollars to fight hunger across Minnesota. In addition to providing matching grants, the organization supports food shelves with funding for equipment and infrastructure that make it possible to store and distribute more fresh and frozen foods.
The Summer Challenge continues to make a remarkable impact. In 2025, 83 Minnesota food shelves participated, collectively raising $2.4 million to help keep shelves stocked and families fed throughout the state.
Help Us Make the Most of This Opportunity
When the community comes together, we can accomplish incredible things. Your generosity helps ensure Valley Outreach can continue providing food, dignity, and hope to every person who turns to us for support.
This July, your gift will help keep our shelves stocked, provide nutritious food for local families, and strengthen our ability to meet the growing need throughout the summer.
Make your July gift today and help us maximize our impact through the Open Your Heart Summer Challenge.
