Opening and First Impact

A new halal food shelf officially opened in Willmar on July 25, marking an important step toward addressing food insecurity for local immigrant and Muslim families. During its first weekend of operation, the food shelf served about 40 families, highlighting the immediate demand for such services in the community.

Community Connector Services Initiative

The program is spearheaded by Community Connector Services, a nonprofit in Willmar that provides a range of support including food assistance, employment services, and educational programs. According to Executive Director Abdifatah Mohamed, the halal food shelf is not limited to the Muslim community but is designed primarily to meet the needs of immigrant and underserved households who often struggle to find halal-certified options. Mohamed emphasized that while many traditional food banks provide general supplies, they rarely accommodate religious dietary requirements, leaving a gap this initiative seeks to fill.

Understanding Halal and Its Importance

Halal food must comply with Islamic dietary principles, which include ensuring that animals are healthy at the time of slaughter, prohibiting pork, and avoiding cross-contamination with non-halal products. For many Muslim families, access to halal food is not simply a preference but a religious necessity, making this new food shelf a vital source of dignity and inclusion.

Partnership with Second Harvest Heartland

The project is supported by Second Harvest Heartland, an organization that has identified Willmar as one of its priority communities. Over recent months, the group held listening sessions with community leaders and residents to better understand barriers to food access. According to Ethan Neal, director of partner operations, these discussions helped shape creative solutions to ensure food is distributed equitably. A statewide hunger study conducted by Second Harvest Heartland revealed that one in five Minnesota households struggles to afford the food they need, underscoring the urgency of the project.

Second Harvest Heartland also provided a grant to cover startup costs, including equipment, and will continue supporting the food shelf through regular food distributions. This partnership ensures that Community Connector Services can maintain operations and keep shelves stocked.

Dignity, Inclusivity, and Access

Mohamed noted that opening the food shelf is about more than providing meals; it is about restoring dignity and fostering inclusivity at a time when many families face high costs and stretched resources. By offering halal-certified food, the initiative ensures that families can maintain their religious practices while addressing basic nutritional needs.

Hours and Location

The halal food shelf is located at 436 Litchfield Ave. SW, Willmar. It is open on Fridays from 9:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., providing consistent access for families who rely on its services.

Original Article:

Thamer, S. (2025, September 10). New halal food shelf in Willmar serves immigrant families in need. MPR News. Retrieved from https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/07/30/new-halal-food-shelf-in-willmar-serves-immigrant-families-in-need