Food shelves across Minnesota continue to adapt to record demand, that isn’t showing any immediate signs of slowing down.

This month, Hunger Solutions released formal data showing there were more than 7.5 million visits to food selves in 2023. That’s 1.8 million more visits than what was recorded in 2022, also a record year.

Lingering inflationary pressure and the end of pandemic-support programs are cited as contributing factors.

The organization’s Director of Programs Jill Westfall said a lot of the increased traffic is happening at locations that are ramping up efforts to reach clients.

“The traditional old-school food-shelf model was one visit every 30 days,” said Westfall. “And food shelves have been increasingly opening that up to better reflect how people really eat and shop for groceries.”

She said these operations have expanded hours for clients while allowing more visits each month.

Westfall said even though inflation has cooled, the 2008 recession showed it takes time for household budgets to recover and no longer need extra support.

Westfall said it’s also worth noting the need is being felt by many populations across Minnesota.

“We’re seeing big increases in the number of adults that are accessing food shelves,” said Westfall, “the number of child visits, and the number of senior visits.”

For households who have never accessed a food shelf before and are now considering it, Hunger Solutions has an interactive map on its website where people can find a location serving their community.

There’s also the Minnesota Food Help Line at 888-711-1151.