Walz orders veteran food pantry network
Gov. Tim Walz issued a Veterans Day executive order directing the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs to create a statewide Veteran Food Pantry Network and authorizing the agency to use existing resources, partner with nonprofits and private entities, and accept donations. The move aims to reduce food insecurity among Minnesota’s 296,000 veterans — including many in the Twin Cities — amid data showing 13% of veterans in VA care are food insecure and roughly 12,000 Minnesota veterans use SNAP.
📌 Key Facts
- Executive order issued Nov. 11, 2025, creating a statewide Veteran Food Pantry Network
- MDVA tasked to coordinate, use resources, enter agreements, and accept donations
- Minnesota has ~296,000 veterans (53% are 65+); VA data show 13% of veterans in care are food insecure; about 12,000 Minnesota veterans use SNAP
- 2025 session: MDVA received a $50 million funding increase despite broader state budget cuts