The lived experience of food pantry users in Minnesota: Qualitative findings from a statewide survey.

Objectives: In 2017 a community-University of Minnesota collaborative conducted a statewide survey of food pantry clients.

Methods: Of the 188 food pantries surveyed, 4321 individual client surveys were returned, from which 2,251 open-ended responses were analyzed.

Results: Respondents shared gratitude for the food pantry in meeting their needs for food and support. Many described accessing healthy food that was needed to address health needs. Respondents described life circumstances and hardships that led to food pantry use.

Conclusion: The supportive environment provided by food pantries position them to address the needs of clients, including those with complex health needs.