Hennepin County and University of Minnesota Partnership Transforms Local Food Shelves
Hennepin County has partnered with the University of Minnesota Extension SuperShelf program since 2019 to enhance local food shelves. This collaboration aims to transform food shelf spaces and systems, creating more welcoming, choice-based environments that prioritize healthier options. Seven food shelves in Hennepin County have already undergone these transformations, which include improvements like new shelving, refrigerators, freezers, signage, and paint. The SuperShelf model focuses on providing shoppers with dignity and choice, ensuring access to fresh, nutritious, and culturally relevant foods. This initiative addresses the demand for better food access and aims to prevent and manage chronic diseases among vulnerable populations. The program has worked with 100 food shelves statewide, including 16 in Hennepin County, to promote shopper choice and foster human dignity.
