Open Arms CEO Leah Hebert Welles joined Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, Second Harvest and other nonprofit leaders gathered at Cheng Heng in St. Paul on Tuesday, June 13th, to announce $3.3 million in new funding over the next two years to support a prepared meals grant program.

The $3.3 million, passed by the Legislature and signed by Gov. Tim Walz is allocated for the fiscal years 2024-2025. Nonprofits and tribal nations, including Open Arms and several of our partners, are eligible to apply for the funds. The organizations must have a history of providing and distributing prepared meals that are customized to the people they serve, considering their cultural, religious, and dietary needs. The state Department of Human Services will begin making the first grants later this year.

You can check out all the coverage from the announcement below:

State helping to fund prepared meals that nonprofits provide to people in need, Star Tribune

Lt. Gov. Flanagan, nonprofits praise additional $3.3 million for prepared meals program, Minnesota Reformer

Second Harvest Heartland celebrates new statewide prepared meals funding, WCCO