Open Your Heart to the Hungry and Homeless

06/15/2026

Established in January 2013, Holy Grounds breakfast service at Centenary United Methodist Church in Mankato operates from 9–10 a.m., Monday through Saturday.
Holy Grounds serves 85-100 people daily providing hot, nutritious breakfasts for those experiencing food insecurity. Guests at Holy Grounds also have access to basic needs items like clothing and shoes when needed. In addition to providing food, Holy Grounds partners with multiple community organizations including the City of Mankato and Blue Earth County Public Health to provide monthly blood pressure, weight checks, and resource information. Most importantly, Holy Grounds is a safe community where people are seen and known.
This spring OYH partnered with Holy Grounds to provide funding for a new commercial freezer that will store the ready‑made meals prepared by South Central MN Food Rescue (a OYH 2025 Community Impact Partner) for neighbors facing transportation barriers. Funding from OYH will cover the cost of repairing the shower facilities at Holy Grounds for individuals experiencing homelessness. These improvements strengthen support for community members struggling with food and shelter, affirming the dignity and worth of every person.
Together OYH and Holy Grounds are working for a Minnesota where every individual lives with dignity, free from hunger and homelessness, in a community that thrives on compassion and equity.
For more information about Holy Grounds and volunteer opportunities, visit their website: https://www.mankatocentenary.org/holy-grounds

South Central MN Food Recovery

06/14/2026

📣☀️Open Your Heart to the Hungry and Homeless is excited to announce the launch of the 17th annual Open Your Heart Summer Challenge grant!
👏Thank you to the Albert Lea Tribune for sharing the news of our upcoming Summer Challenge supporting food shelves across the state including United Way of Freeborn County!
To learn more about the Summer Challenge and how you can get involved,
📰Read https://www.albertleatribune.com/news/open-your-heart-to-the-hungry-and-homeless-to-hold-annual-summer-challenge-b7e8ef44
💻Or visit www.oyh.org

Join us in Kicking Hunger Together this summer!

06/12/2026

Shobi's Table is a pay‑as‑you‑can mobile café serving St. Paul and a OYH 2026 Community Impact Grant Partner. With funding from OYH, Shobi's Table is expanding their service capacity beyond the 15,000 meals they serve each year.
If you'd like to learn more about their amazing scratch-made food and have some fun, join them for their Summer Kick Off! Come on down and be fed in body and soul!

Learn more about Shobi's Table at https://shobistable.org/

06/11/2026

⚽The World Cup has officially begun! 🏆
As the world’s best teams face off on the pitch, we are asking our community to tackle a different kind of challenge this summer: ending summer hunger!
☀️Summer is historically the hardest time of the year for local food shelves. While school is out, thousands of local kids lose access to free and reduced-price meals, and donations drop drastically.
🤝Join us and 62 food shelves across the state this July Kicking Hunger Together. Together we can ensure all Minnesotans have access to food.
For a list of participating food shelves visit our website, https://oyh.org/summer-challenge/

06/11/2026

This spring OYH partnered with Austin Salvation Army Food Program to provide funding for a new commercial refrigerator. The new appliance will meet the increased need for food in the area following immigration enforcement and rising food costs. The commercial appliance also supports the launch of their Mobile Food Pantry. This grant strengthens the quality of services provided to nearly 25,000 individuals seeking food assistance in southern Minnesota.

To learn more our our Community Impact Grants visit, 🔗
https://www.austindailyherald.com/news/austin-salvation-army-food-program-receives-a-grant-from-open-your-heart-to-the-hungry-and-homeless-6ebda20e

Salvation Army North

06/08/2026

In 2025 OYH partnered with Ujamaa Place, providing funding for materials for a purpose-designed cafeteria for participants to prepare and share meals. Ujamaa Place is a Safe Space providing holistic, culturally responsive transformation for young African-American men experiencing inequity at the intersection of race/ethnicity and poverty.
At their upcoming Fishing Classic it is not just a day of fishing; it's an opportunity to connect with Ujamaa Place Men, staff, and supporters in a joyful environment. Come create camaraderie as we cast our lines, share stories, and savor a delicious lunch together, making memories and friendships.🎣

For more information about the event, visit their website: https://ujamaaplace.org/event/2nd-annual-ujamaa-place-fishing-event/

06/05/2026

Thank you County News Review for sharing the work of New Pathways, and how OYH partnered with New Pathways to purchase new bunk beds and twin frames for the families they shelter in Central Minnesota.

📰Read more here: https://www.hometownsource.com/county_news_review/free/new-pathways-receives-grant-from-open-your-heart-to-the-hungry-and-homeless/article_392ff18c-953e-4846-af7a-b9f1fe868046.html

06/02/2026

📣 Buffalo and Red Wing area!

📣 Here's this week's sales!
🍊 Keep a lookout for an email with the latest site-specific pack menu details.
📍 Site addresses and schedule info available here: https://bit.ly/48B7nEm

05/31/2026

Want to learn more about OYH's 2026 Community Impact Partner Black Butterfly Women Services and help create a welcoming and beautiful space for women coming out of incarceration? Here's your chance!

05/30/2026

Join Team OYH! 🏃🏃‍♀️
The Medtronic TC 10 Mile is on the verge of selling out, with only 250 spots left. Don’t miss your chance to take on this iconic course (and run in support of OYH!) that brings runners through the heart of the Twin Cities, surrounded by an electric race-day atmosphere. Act fast and don't miss your chance to join us on the start line October 4!
By joining our team you are guaranteed a spot in the 10 mile race: https://www.tcmevents.org/alleventsandraces/medtronictwincitiesmarathonweekend/tc10mile?utm_campaign=22948663-2026%20Marathon%20Weekend&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8caBfBUxJNLExpPgeI1Fwyv9Y2M6f3E1olv5uHbS2ZEbBuiFNHIcnAYsPwN7Q8vm7uTz0pLb7WWk9E4yf8fURni1BlMQ&_hsmi=420683927&utm_content=420683927&utm_source=hs_email