SAINT PAUL, MN — Today, Veterans Day, Governor Tim Walz issued an executive order directing the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) to develop a statewide Veteran Food Pantry Network to improve food access for veterans, service members, and their families.
“Our veterans have sacrificed their health, safety, and personal freedoms in service to our country. Yet, here at home, many are left struggling to put food on the table,” said Governor Walz. “In Minnesota, we made a bipartisan commitment to provide our veterans with support and care, and we’re ensuring that every veteran and service member has access to affordable, healthy food – regardless of what happens at the federal level.”
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 13% of veterans enrolled in VA health care report food insecurity. State data also show that thousands of Minnesota veterans rely on federal food programs such as SNAP.
Executive Order 25-11 directs MDVA to coordinate food distribution through partner organizations and strengthen statewide efforts to address veteran food insecurity. The department, which has led initiatives to reduce veteran homelessness, will oversee the creation and operation of the new network.
