Strength in Community: Why Helping Our Neighbors Matters

Community is about more than just living near one another—it’s about showing up for each other in meaningful ways. When we take the time to support those around us, we strengthen the foundation of our neighborhoods, making them more resilient and connected. At PRISM, we see firsthand how small acts of generosity can create waves of change, especially when it comes to ensuring basic needs like food and housing are met. 

The Heart of Minnesota FoodShare’s March Campaign 

For over four decades, the Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign has been a powerful force in the fight against hunger. What began in 1982 as a local initiative to help food shelves restock in the Twin Cities quickly expanded into a statewide effort. Today, it’s the largest grassroots food and fund drive in Minnesota, bringing together businesses, faith communities, and individuals to support nearly 300 food shelves.  

Food insecurity remains a growing concern, and the numbers tell an alarming story. In 2024, Minnesota saw a record-breaking 9 million visits to food shelves. At PRISM alone, we served over 16,000 individuals through 26,000 visits at the Marketplace Food Shelf last year—one-third of whom were children. This underscores the importance of access to nutritious food, particularly for young minds still developing and learning. 

Rising Needs, Evolving Challenges 

More people than ever are turning to PRISM for assistance, and the trend isn’t slowing down. A staggering 61% of last year’s food shelf visitors were first-time users. This tells us that food insecurity isn’t limited to a small group of individuals—it’s affecting more families who may have never needed assistance before. Economic shifts, rising costs, and the expiration of COVID-era funding programs for housing and other essential services mean that community organizations like PRISM must step up to fill the gaps. 

But we can’t do it alone. PRISM relies on the generosity of the community—whether through donations, volunteer efforts, or advocacy—to keep providing the resources that so many families depend on. 

Stronger Together: PRISM & JFCS 

One of the ways PRISM maximizes its impact is by fostering lasting relationships with other community organizations. A prime example of this is our partnership with Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Minneapolis (JFCS). Not only do we share the same building, but we also collaborate to provide comprehensive support to individuals and families facing hardship. 

“Our services are not overlapping, they are complementary to each other,” says Amy Weiss, JFCS Chief Program Officer. “People  have all types of needs, and it’s important to address and respond to those needs in a sustainable way – proving support with dignity.” 

Through our partnership, PRISM and JFCS connect people to a wider range of services. For example, JFCS helps make food more accessible by offering delivery options to PRISM participants who qualify. Meanwhile, PRISM assists in spreading awareness about JFCS programs through community outreach events. Whether it’s voter engagement efforts, produce distributions, or Pride festivals, our organizations work side by side to serve the community more effectively. 

“There is a lot of value in the partnership and collocated space; we are stronger together,” Weiss adds. 

Repairing the World, One Person at a Time 

At the heart of JFCS’s mission is the concept of tikkun olam, a Hebrew phrase meaning “repairing the world.” Their work, much like PRISM’s, is rooted in dignity, collaboration, and innovation—values that drive us both to uplift our community. By working together, we’re not just offering short-term relief; we’re building long-term stability for individuals and families. 

How You Can Make a Difference 

The Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign is a testament to the power of collective action, but it doesn’t stop there. Just like PRISM and JFCS have built a strong partnership to serve our neighbors, you too can take steps to strengthen your own community. 

Here are a few ways you can get involved: 

• Donate: Whether it’s food, funds, or essential items, every contribution helps stock shelves and provide stability to those who need it most.  

• Volunteer: Giving your time at a local food shelf or community organization creates a direct impact on people’s lives. 

• Advocate: Support policies and programs that address food insecurity and housing stability to create lasting change. 

• Partner Up: Look for ways to collaborate with local businesses, faith groups, or organizations to maximize impact. 

It takes all of us working together to create a future where every Minnesotan has access to healthy food and the resources needed to thrive. Let’s continue strengthening our communities—one act of kindness at a time.