By Bob Hulteen
A group of Northside faith leaders cut the ribbon to launch the Gethsemane Food Shelf
Many urban neighborhoods and suburban communities have grocery stores spread across the area, giving shoppers many options, with competition keeping prices more reasonable. Other parts of the Twin Cities, especially those places with below average incomes do not have even a single choice within easy commute for residents. Those neighborhoods are often referred to as food deserts.
The North Minneapolis neighborhood of Camden has long been un underserved community for available and affordable food choices. People with transportation challenges often need to rely on friends and family or must use delivery systems that add to the price.
Pastor Jeff Nehrbass speaking at the ribbon cutting for the Gethsemane Food Shelf.
In response to the need for greater access to groceries, Gethsemane Lutheran Church, Minneapolis, received funding to expand the food shelf it has been running for 12 years. On Friday, May 21, this expanded food shelf hosted a ribbon cutting that included religious, community, and political leaders from around the city.
“The North Minneapolis neighborhood of Camden has long been un underserved community for available and affordable food choices.”
“In a time of social fracturing, it is inspiring to see such a diverse group of political, business, and faith leaders united in a mission for serve human needs,” reflected Bishop Ann Svennungsen, Minneapolis Area Synod. “The real lives of real people will be enriched by access to healthy food options.”
THE NEED FOR an expanded food shelf demonstrates the disparity that exists around access to a basic human requirement – nutrition.
“If the last year and a half has brought us anything of value I believe it would be that it has pulled the Band-Aid back for all to see a terrible and embarrassing truth: North Minneapolis is the fifth largest food desert in the United States,” reflected Gethsemane’s Pastor Jeff Nehrbass. “We have the lowest level of access to stores that sell nutritious, culturally-appropriate, and affordable food. We have the highest transportation and economic barriers in getting to it.”
Colleen Moriarty, executive director of Hunger Solutions, agreed. “Our most basic needs must be met if our families are to have any hope of succeeding,” she offered.
Volunteers prepare to make food available to be placed on the shelf.
“Residents of Camden have the lowest level of access to stores that sell nutritious, culturally-appropriate, and affordable food.”
New expanded food shelf at Gethsemane joins Shiloh Cares Foodshelf on West Broadway as the only two mini-distribution centers in North Minneapolis. In partnership with food banks and other nonprofits, Gethsemane Food Shelf will locate and source food that will be made available free of charge to churches, religious organizations, and community groups on the Northside.
For the last two years, Gethsemane has shared approximately 23,000 pounds of food with almost 600 people from the community each week. The new food shelf increases the visibility of Gethsemane’s neighborhood work, and allows for increase in 50% percent the pounds of food given away.
The Community Food Shelf is open Monday through Saturday each week from Noon to 3:00 p.m.