For our 2011 Christmas Concert Series, InVocation is proud to be partnering once again with The Emergency Foodshelf Network (EFN), a 501(c)3 nonprofit food bank that collects, warehouses and distributes quality food and essential support services to Minnesota hunger relief organizations.
The mission of EFN is to provide access to nutritious, culturally specific foods to serve the changing needs in our communities. They do this through partnerships that:
- maximize the sharing of food, resources, and systems support,
- promote quality standards,
- and educate and advocate for the eradication of hunger.
EFN’s programs work together to ensure that Minnesota hunger relief organizations have the resources to provide emergency and supplemental food to their clients today and into the future.
EFN gives its network a variety of financial and food benefits and savings and does not make a profit or margin from any food that it distributes. Member agencies receive monthly shipments of free food, the opportunity to purchase high demand and culturally specific items at below retail prices, and liberty to use the EFN office and media equipment at no charge. The network also meets quarterly to discuss hunger relief opportunities, strategies, and share ideas about promoting quality, nutrition, and the eradication of hunger.
EFN’s programs include central food banking activities of providing bulk food (both purchased and free) and food shelf support as well as supplemental food programs including Fare For All, Mobile Foodshelf, and Baskets of Hope. EFN distributes nutritious food and increases access to affordable and quality food (by individuals and families in the community and by foodshelves). EFN draws on feedback from members and partners to operate efficient programs and is a good steward of generous donations — 93% of every dollar donated goes directly to their programming.
EFN has experienced extraordinary growth during its 30 years of service to the Minnesota community. From their inception in 1976 when they occupied a classroom-sized office (and an off-site warehouse at the Sabathani Community Center) to their current 65,000 square foot warehouse facility in New Hope, EFN has never stopped striving to create cost-effective and inclusive programs for their members and the hunger relief community — and the clients ultimately served by them.
To learn more about The Emergency Foodshelf Network, please visit their website — or attend one of our concerts!
