How PRISM Sources Food: Adapting to TEFAP Reductions and How You Can Help

If you’ve ever shopped or volunteered in PRISM’s Marketplace Food Shelf, you know that it’s intentionally designed to feel like a trip to the supermarket. The shopping experience follows a choice-based model – ensuring participants are selecting their own items, reducing food waste and increasing dignified experiences.  

But when the food shelf shelves are stocked with produce, meat, canned goods, and culturally relevant staples, it often leads to a common question from donors, volunteers, and new visitors: Where does all this food come from? 

The answer is: a lot of places. Some donated, some purchased. Some fresh from a farm, some rescued from a store shelf. And yes—some that’s getting harder to access. 

Food Rescue 

Food rescue is one of the most sustainable and impactful ways PRISM stocks its shelves. Every week, PRISM partners with local grocery stores—Cub and Target in Knollwood, Cub Plymouth, Target Minnetonka, Hy-Vee New Hope, and Cub Crystal—to pick up food that is still safe, fresh, and high-quality, but nearing its “sell by” date. 

In February 2025 alone, volunteers rescued over 45,000 pounds of food. That includes everything from produce and meat to dairy and baked goods. 

These donations make a big difference—not just because they reduce food waste, but because they add real variety and nutrition to the food shelf. Items are inspected and sorted daily to ensure that the food our participants receive is in great condition. Because no one deserves to be handed something moldy, wilted, or unrecognizable. 

Purchasing from Food Banks 

A lot of people are surprised to hear that we don’t get everything for free. PRISM purchases a large amount of our food from local food banks like Second Harvest Heartland and The Food Group  

These food banks operate like bulk suppliers. Some items are very affordable; others cost more depending on supply and demand. On average, it costs PRISM $2.15 per pound to purchase food. And while that might not seem like much, multiply that by thousands of pounds per week, and the cost adds up fast. 

We get deliveries three times per week (Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday) to keep our shelves stocked with reliable essentials—like canned veggies, meat, pasta, rice, milk, eggs, and proteins. 

The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) 

TEFAP is a federal program that purchases food from farmers and distributes it nationally to food banks, such as Second Harvest Heartland and The Food Group. TEFAP is a vital resource for PRISM to stock vital nutrients like lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, dairy products and more.  

Each month, PRISM received around 6,000lbs of TEFAP food. However, this amount has recently decreased. 

Due to recent federal decisions, 30-40% of our TEFAP orders have been cut – meaning PRISM is loosing up to 2,400lbs EVERY month. This is a massive hit to the amount and variety of supply PRISM can offer its participants.  

Grants & Local Farmers 

Another source of food is through grant-funded programs like Local Food Purchasing Assistance (LFPA). This program allows us to buy locally grown produce directly from Minnesota farmers—many of whom are historically underserved or socially disadvantaged. 

It’s a win-win: participants get access to seasonal, fresh, and often culturally relevant produce, while PRISM helps support small farms and reduce our carbon footprint. 

This grant, like TEFAP, is vulnerable to federal funding changes—but for now, we’re still receiving produce through contracts that have already been approved. 

Community Donations 

Finally, one of our most flexible and appreciated food sources is you—our donors. Community food drives, individual donations, and holiday giving events help add variety and volume to our shelves. 

Unlike bulk purchases, donated food brings in a greater variety of brands, flavors, and ingredients. These items often help us meet culturally specific needs and provide more dignified options to families of different backgrounds and preferences. 

Even more importantly, these donations show our participants that they are seen, supported, and cared for. 

What PRISM Needs The Most 

PRISM’s Marketplace food shelf exists because of a community-wide commitment to dignity and equity. As food costs rise and federal programs face cuts, we’re doing everything we can to keep up. 

That means diversifying how we source food. It means asking for support. It means sharing the truth—that sometimes, we’re short on essentials like rice, oil, canned vegetables, or even peanut butter. And sometimes, we have to get creative to fill the gaps. 

If you’re looking to help, we’re always grateful for: 

• Donations of high-need items (check our website for an updated list) 

• Financial gifts to help us purchase food and cover rising costs 

• Hosting a food drive at your business, school, or place of worship 

Together, we can ensure PRISM’s shelves stay full—and that every family leaves with the food they need, the dignity they deserve, and the knowledge that someone cares.