The Food System

Channel One Food Bank helps those facing food insecurity through an efficient system of collection and distribution of food and non-food items to non-profit agency partners in our region.

In order to provide food to those facing food insecurity in our region, Channel One Regional Food Bank takes in millions of pounds of surplus food from the food industry. That food is then distributed through our network of over 160 member agencies. In 2023, Channel One Regional Food Bank distributed approximately 13.9 million pounds of food through the hunger relief network that serves 14 counties in southeast Minnesota and western Wisconsin. The volume of this hunger relief work would not be possible without the generous support from our many donors in the region.

Counties Served

Faribault, Waseca, Rice, Goodhue, Wabasha, Steele, Dodge, Olmsted, Freeborn, Mower, Fillmore, Winona, Houston, and La Crosse County in Wisconsin.

Food Bank Counties

Channel One is a certified member of Feeding America

Our membership as part of this important national hunger relief organization ensures that we are meeting requirements for safe, efficient, and expedient food distribution. Channel One is one of six Feeding America food banks in Minnesota.

About our Agency Partners

  • Food Shelves & Pantries

    While Channel One has its’ own food shelf supporting residents of Olmsted County and runs several mobile pantries for communities with limited access to food, we also provide items from our food bank to food shelves and pantries in all 14 counties across our region. Food shelves and pantries distribute food and non-food essentials directly to those facing food insecurity.

  • Emergency Programs: Shelters & Soup Kitchens

    Emergency meal programs, such as those in shelters and at soup kitchens, typically provide prepared meals and hot food items to those facing food insecurity. Channel One distributes the raw ingredients to these emergency programs in order to create prepared meals, but we also occasionally work with these programs to provide individuals with emergency groceries, as well.

  • Senior Programs: CSFP Program & Congregate Meal Sites

    Channel One operates the CSFP program for seniors in 13 counties in Southeast Minnesota, including Olmsted County, but we can also supply essential food items to the regions’ CSFP programs, congregate meal sites, and other senior hunger programs. Senior hunger programs distribute food to seniors with barriers to food access– like income, transportation or health concerns.

  • Childhood Hunger Programs

    Channel One works with backpack programs, school pantries, and after-school programs to address childhood hunger. Some of these childhood hunger programs are operated directly by Channel One staff, while others are provided food from our food bank and operated by other organizations throughout the region.

Becoming an Agency Partner

 To learn more about strengthening food access and building healthy communities by becoming an agency partner with Channel One, contact Jennifer Belisle at jenniferbelisle@channel-one.org.