Contact Info
Food Help for Families
On this page: Resources for families | Infant formula resources
Resources for families
- Second Harvest Heartland
- Covers many counties in Minnesota.
- Offers a searchable map of food shelves and free meals.
- Provides a Care Center for free, confidential support: 888-844-3663.
- The Food Group (Previously Hunger Solutions)
- Connects people to food shelves, meal programs, and other nutrition assistance.
- Locate food shelves in your area with their “Find Help” tool.
- Minnesota Food Helpline
- Contact 1-888-711-1151 for free, confidential assistance.
- Food Finder
- Enter zip code to find food shelves nearby; click ‘more info’ to get the address, contact number, and hours.
- Help Me Connect
- Food Shelves and Food Distribution list (Resources are mainly metro area).
- 211 Get Connected. Get Help.
- A staff member will help navigate food resources and food shelves in the community. Help in English, Spanish, Hmong, Somali, and Russian.
- Food and Nutrition
- Hunger Impact Partners Meals for Kids App
- Loves and Fishes
- Find a community meal site based on time and location in the metro area.
- Contact the advocacy hotline for support: (612) 429-6900.
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations Program Contacts
- Provides food to income-eligible households living on Indian reservations and to Native American households residing in designated areas near reservations.
- Click MN on the map for a list of resources.
- Look on Facebook for community resource groups such as Minnesota Money-Savings Moms or Twin Cities Frugal Mom.
Tips for families accessing food resources
- Call ahead: Many food shelves require appointments or have specific hours for walk-ins.
- Bring ID and proof of address, if required: Some places ask for basics.
- Be ready to ask about other supports: Food shelves often know about other help (utility assistance, diapers, etc.).
- Use multiple resources: A food shelf + church + state programs = stronger support.
- Plan for the future: If you’re likely to need ongoing support, ask about continuous program options; how often can you come, is there a limit to food items, and can you switch out foods you know your family won’t use.
- Language access: Many resources serve families in languages other than English — ask when you call.
- Fresh food and culturally familiar items: Some food shelves focus on healthy options and culturally responsive foods. Ask what options they have to fit your dietary or cultural needs.
Get organized: Create a list of resources in your community that could support your family with meals and other household expenses. Write down the location, contact information, and what you would need to bring to ensure you can get the support you need.
Tips for shopping for food
- Plan meals before shopping: Make a menu and shop only for what you need.
- Compare prices: Check the store shelf or display case to compare prices on the product you need.
- Buy frozen when fresh prices are high: Frozen and canned foods can save you money and are a nutritious option in recipes.
- Buy store brands: Often made by the same manufacturer as name brands but at less cost to you. Many stores offer store-brand soy or cow’s milk-based infant formulas.
- Shop sales and use coupons: Stock up on non-perishable products like rice, beans, and canned good.
- Limit buying frivolous drinks and snacks: Soda, chips, and sugary snacks add up quickly!
- Avoid shopping when hungry: When you are hungry, you are tempted to buy things you may not need.
Cooking tips
- Cook from scratch: Avoid purchasing prepackaged meals that are more costly.
- Look for recipes: Search for recipes based on ingredients you have on hand.
- Use cheaper proteins: Try stretching higher-priced meats with beans, lentils, eggs, or canned fish.
- Stretch meat dishes: Stretch meals by adding beans, rice, or vegetables to a dish.
- Cook and freeze: Make a larger meal and then separate it into smaller meals to save time and reduce waste.
- Use leftovers to create new meals: Turn roasted meat into soup, burgers into tacos or a rice bowl, and cooked chicken into a sandwich or pasta dish.
It takes a village! Reaching out to family and friends to share meals (and resources) is a great way to save costs and support each other during trying times!
Infant formula resources
Contact the formula company
Some formula companies have programs to help families pay for formula. These are for families who are having money problems and don’t have insurance that covers formula. Call or visit the formula company to ask if they have a program and how to apply.
To find the company name, look on the formula container for the name of the manufacturer.
- Abbott: Patient Assistance Foundation- 866-801-5657
- Mead Johnson: Patient Assistance Foundation- 800-222-9123, https://www.enfamil.com/reimbursement-support/
- Nestle: Patient Assistance Program- 855-210-6228, https://www.nestlemedicalhub.com/reimbursement
- Nutrica: Neocate Assistance Program- 800-636-2283, http://www.neocate.com/reimbursement
NOTE: You can buy formula directly from the manufacturer if you do not qualify for the Patient Assistance Program
Learn more: Formula Resource Packet.
Store brand options
Store-brand iron fortified formula can be a great option for families. When choosing a formula, make sure the label says “iron fortified”, check that the expiration date is not passed, the container should be sealed and undamaged, and the formula should be labeled for infants.
Store brand examples:
Parent’s Choice or Gentle Moments (Walmart), Up and Up (Target), Kirkland (Costco), Mama Bear (Amazon), Nanny’s (Aldi), Advantage (CVS), or Infant Premium (Walgreens)
Learn more: Find a Store Brand Formula Alternative.
Homemade formula
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) warns parents not to feed homemade formula to infants. Babies should only be fed breastmilk or iron-fortified infant formula that has been prepared according to the directions on the package.
- Homemade formulas: When you mix things like powdered milk, raw milk, sugar, or milk substitutes (like almond or soy milk) to make formula, you may not have the right mix of nutrients.
- Milk and milk alternatives: Infants should not be given cow milk, goat milk, or milk alternatives such as plant-based beverages before the age of one!
- Imported formulas: If a formula is unregulated, it may contain unsafe ingredient levels or could be unsafe if not stored or shipped properly.
- Watered-down formula: Diluting formula with water to “stretch it out” doesn’t give babies enough nutrition and can cause serious growth problems.
NOTE: Parents and caregivers with infants who have consumed homemade formula should contact their health care provider to report any symptoms and receive care.
Learn more: Is Homemade Baby Formula Safe?