Food Security

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Ramsey County is working to improve food security and build a resilient food system for all residents.

What is food security?

Food security is having reliable and consistent access to enough of food that is culturally appropriate, meets dietary and medical needs.

Why does food security matter?

Approximately 1 in 10 adults and 1 in 5 children in Ramsey County are food insecure.

Inconsistent access to nutritious food contributes to social, behavioral, and educational challenges in children, mental health conditions, and development of chronic diseases in adults and seniors.

Equity and food security

Ramsey County food security efforts are based in equity.

As a result of systemic racism and other long-standing issues worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic, food insecurity continues to disproportionately affect residents who are Black, American Indian, and other people of color, and people with limited income and/or mobility.

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2022 Food Security Needs Assessment 

In 2022, Ramsey County conducted a Food Security Needs Assessment to identify how food insecurity affects residents and answer the question: “What is Ramsey County’s role in supporting greater food security?” The assessment included a review of Ramsey County data on food insecurity, and engagement with over 400 people representing service providers and community members through interviews, online surveys, and in-person surveys at six pop-up events hosted at food distribution sites.

Findings

  1. Food insecurity rates in Ramsey County are above the state average. In 2021,11% of the county’s adults and 17% of the county’s children were food insecure, compared to 9% and 13% statewide, respectively.
     
  2. The 2021 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) usage rates reveal wide disparities in which racial and ethnic groups access food benefits.
    • Nearly 50% of the total Black/African American population are on SNAP.
    • 33% of the total Asian population.
    • 20% of the total American Indian population.
    • 10% of the total Hispanic/Latinx population.
    • 5% of the total white population.

3. Children under the age of 18 are the largest age group that benefits from SNAP making up 38% of the county's total program participants, followed closely by adults 55 and older who are 20% of the total SNAP recipients in Ramsey County.

4. The areas with the highest concentrations of food insecurity in Ramsey County include portions of University-Midway, Frogtown, and Capitol Heights in Saint Paul.

5. Demand for food shelves has increased since the start of the pandemic. Food shelf usage rates were nearly 50% higher than pre-pandemic levels. Usage rates have grown the most among seniors, increasing 160% since 2020.

As a result of systemic racism and other long-standing issues worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic, food insecurity continues to disproportionately affect residents who are Black, Asian, American Indian, people of color, youth, seniors, and those with lower incomes or mobility limitations.

Priorities

Expand the food safety net system

Increase capacity of food shelves and other providers to serve more people with transportation options, affordable housing and food costs as food insecurity soars.

Expand urban agriculture

Support expanded availability and productivity of community gardens and other urban growing spaces to promote food sovereignty.

Increase access to public benefits

Increase number of locations to apply for benefits like SNAP and WIC, improve co-enrollment processes, and increase health care screening and referral programs to county benefits.

Expand food availability and affordability

Promote more affordable food options available through expanded subsidy programs; maintaining stable and consistent food access points for all residents; and strengthening the local economy through system upgrades.

Align communications and resources

Coordinate internally and with other government agencies and organizations to promote existing food programs, targeting youth, elders, and those most food insecure.

Promote advocacy and policy change for better food security

Advocate for hunger and food-related legislation and policy change.

Get involved

Stay informed

Sign up to receive e-news about food security initiatives, resources and funding opportunities.   

 Food Security email list sign up

Apply

Check back for information on Request For Proposals and funding opportunities.

Give

Volunteer or provide a donation to a food shelf or free meal site to help people who are food insecure in your community.

Make the biggest impact by providing cash donations. Monetary support makes it possible for providers to purchase culturally appropriate foods and hygiene items for their communities, often at a discount.  

Want to give food items? Consider donating culturally appropriate foods. Some providers will take canned goods, non-perishable foods, and household or personal hygiene supplies. Please contact the organization about what donations they need before you drop off items.

Learn more

Explore data

Food insecurity data story

 

 

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