Opening and Initial Response

A specialized halal food shelf has opened in Willmar to serve immigrant and Muslim families facing food insecurity while respecting their religious dietary requirements. The facility, which began operations on July 25, assisted approximately 40 families during its inaugural weekend.

Organization and Mission

Community Connector Services, a local nonprofit organization that provides food assistance, job support, and educational services, launched this initiative to address gaps in existing food distribution systems. According to Executive Director Abdifatah Mohamed, conventional food banks typically lack halal-certified options, creating barriers for families who follow Islamic dietary laws.

Target Community and Religious Requirements

While the food shelf welcomes all community members, its primary focus is supporting immigrant and underserved populations whose religious needs have been overlooked. Halal dietary guidelines require specific practices, including ensuring animals are healthy before slaughter and avoiding pork products and cross-contamination with non-halal items.

Partnership and Funding

The initiative received backing from Second Harvest Heartland, which identified Willmar as a priority community through stakeholder engagement and listening sessions. The organization provided startup funding for equipment and now supplies regular food distributions to sustain operations.

Community Need and Economic Context

Recent research indicates that one in five Minnesota households struggle to afford adequate food, highlighting the broader context of food insecurity that this specialized service aims to address. Mohamed emphasized that the timing is particularly crucial given current economic pressures, stating that the food shelf offers dignity and inclusivity when household budgets are strained.

Location and Operating Hours

The facility operates on Fridays from 9:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 436 Litchfield Ave. SW in Willmar.

Original Article:

Thamer, S. (2025, August 7). New halal food shelf in Willmar serves immigrant families in need. MPR News. https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/07/30/new-halal-food-shelf-in-willmar-serves-immigrant-families-in-need