McGregor Food Shelf Earns SuperShelf Status

By: Hannah Sovinski, RD, LD, CLS

Community Health Specialist with Aitkin County Public Health

The McGregor Area Food Shelf had been a cornerstone of support for families in Aitkin County, but with the shelf set to close in July, the community faced the loss of this vital resource. Hearing the call for help, a new champion stepped forward — Lynne Jacobs, with Grace Lutheran Church of Big Sandy — who led the way in transforming the food shelf into a welcoming, dignified space for all. Under her leadership, the McGregor Area Food Shelf not only found new life in a fresh location but also achieved the prestigious SuperShelf certification from the University of Minnesota Extension, becoming the second SuperShelf in Aitkin County and the 96th in the state of Minnesota.

The Vision for Change

With growing demand for food assistance, the McGregor Area Food Shelf saw an opportunity to transform the way it serves the community. The move to a new location provided the perfect chance to redesign the space, rethink operations, and enhance the overall experience for visitors. The focus was clear: create a welcoming, organized, and health-forward environment where clients could choose foods in a dignified and supportive setting.

The SuperShelf Transformation

The University of Minnesota Extension’s SuperShelf program guides food shelves in creating shopper-centered, nutritious, and client-focused spaces. Key elements include:

• A grocery-style layout that promotes choice and accessibility

• Prioritizing fresh, minimally processed, and nutrient-rich foods

• Clear signage to help clients navigate the space with ease

• Policies and procedures that ensure sustainability and consistency

By embracing these principles, the McGregor Area Food Shelf reorganized its inventory, upgraded its layout, trained staff and volunteers, and implemented client-focused practices that emphasize respect, choice, and nutrition. The certification has not only recognized the food shelf’s transformation but has also set a new standard for food access in the region, demonstrating how a community resource can evolve to better meet the needs of those it serves.

Looking Forward

Certification is just the beginning. With a strong foundation in place, the McGregor Area Food Shelf is positioned to continue expanding healthy food access, gathering client feedback, and adapting to the community’s changing needs — all while serving as a model for other food shelves in Minnesota and beyond. Through thoughtful redesign, dedication, and community support, the McGregor Area Food Shelf has shown what is possible when vision meets action — transforming not just food access, but the experience of receiving it.

Please join us in congratulating Lynne Jacobs and all of her dedicated volunteers for their incredible work in making this transformation possible. Their dedication, energy, and commitment have not only transformed the McGregor Area Food Shelf but have turned it into a beacon of healthy food access and community care. This accomplishment is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when people come together with passion and purpose.