Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has issued an executive order aimed at providing food aid to veterans and their families. The directive instructs the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) to develop a statewide network of food pantries specifically catering to veterans and their dependents.
The move comes as 296,000 veterans in Minnesota face struggles with food insecurity, with 53% being aged 65 or older. According to data from 2024, nearly 1 in 7 veterans in the state, including more than 12,000, rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for support.
Walz highlighted the plight of Minnesota's veterans, stating that many are struggling to make ends meet despite their sacrifices. "Our veterans have made enormous sacrifices in service to our country," he said. "Yet, here at home, many are left struggling to put food on the table."
The executive order gives the MDVA the authority to mobilize resources, partner with non-profit organizations and private sector entities, and accept donations to support the network. The initiative is expected to address the pressing issue of food insecurity among veterans, which has been identified as a significant concern by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
A recent report from the VA found that 13% of all veterans and 28% of female veterans who are enrolled in health care experience food insecurity, leading to increased rates of missed healthcare appointments and mental health screenings.
The order is part of Walz's broader commitment to supporting Minnesota's veteran community. In the 2025 legislative session, he prioritized funding for veteran resources, allocating an additional $50 million to the MDVA despite significant budget cuts that impacted other departments.
The move comes as 296,000 veterans in Minnesota face struggles with food insecurity, with 53% being aged 65 or older. According to data from 2024, nearly 1 in 7 veterans in the state, including more than 12,000, rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for support.
Walz highlighted the plight of Minnesota's veterans, stating that many are struggling to make ends meet despite their sacrifices. "Our veterans have made enormous sacrifices in service to our country," he said. "Yet, here at home, many are left struggling to put food on the table."
The executive order gives the MDVA the authority to mobilize resources, partner with non-profit organizations and private sector entities, and accept donations to support the network. The initiative is expected to address the pressing issue of food insecurity among veterans, which has been identified as a significant concern by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
A recent report from the VA found that 13% of all veterans and 28% of female veterans who are enrolled in health care experience food insecurity, leading to increased rates of missed healthcare appointments and mental health screenings.
The order is part of Walz's broader commitment to supporting Minnesota's veteran community. In the 2025 legislative session, he prioritized funding for veteran resources, allocating an additional $50 million to the MDVA despite significant budget cuts that impacted other departments.
I totally get why Gov. Walz is doing this, you know? Like, our veterans put it all on the line for us, and then we're supposed to forget about them when they come back home? 
It's just not right. I mean, I've got family members who are military vets and they're always struggling to make ends meet, let alone put food on the table.
And I'm all for him mobilizing resources and partnering with non-profits to make sure they've got access to food and support. It's like, we need to take care of our own, right?
IT'S ABOUT TIME WE SHOW SOME LOVE TO OUR VETERANS WHO HAVE GIVEN SO MUCH FOR OUR COUNTRY!!! I MEAN, COME ON, 296,000 VETS IN MINNESOTA ALONE ARE STRUGGLING WITH FOOD SECURITY?! THAT'S JUST WRONG! 
AND THE STATISTICS ARE JUST MIND-BOGGLING... LIKE, 53% OF VETERANS OVER 65 AND 28% OF FEMALE VETS EXPERIENCING FOOD INSECURITY?! IT'S NOT RIGHT!
i mean, 53% of vets in mn are aged 65+ lol what even is that?! like, they're not getting older, they're just having a harder time making ends meet 
but seriously, tim walz is the real MVP for prioritizing funds for veteran resources 
he's already allocating $50 mil in the 2025 legislative session and now this exec order? i'm shook 
we need more leaders like him who actually care about the ppl! 
296k minn vets are struggling with food insecurity, and it's heartbreaking to think about those who have sacrificed so much for our country only to struggle with the basics 
this initiative has me feeling hopeful for a better future 
. The fact that they're facing food insecurity and having to worry about putting food on the table is unacceptable. It's time for us to come together as a community to support these brave men and women who have made so many sacrifices for us 
it's heartbreaking. I feel like we're not doing enough to support them and their families. 296k vets in Minnesota struggling with food insecurity? That number is staggering! And its even more shocking when you think about how many of those vets are above 65, just trying to live out their golden years without the added stress of going hungry 
oh my gosh I'm literally so proud of Gov Walz for doin this!!! 
. Thx for prioritizin vet resources btw $50 million is like WOOO 
. Walz's commitment to supporting the veteran community is admirable, and this executive order is a great step forward 
. Fingers crossed that this initiative makes a real difference in the lives of Minnesota's veterans and their families 
!
this is so awesome!!! i'm literally hyped about our governor tim walz taking action to help out our veterans 
it's like, we should be thankful that someone in power is actually listening to their concerns and doing something about it 
and btw, i'm so proud of our governor for allocating more funds for veteran resources 
they're facing some serious struggles, you know? 53% of them are over 65 and still having trouble making ends meet. It's like, we thought we were doing everything right by giving them a home and healthcare, but it seems like food is the one thing that's still slipping through the cracks 
. We gotta look out for each other, especially when it comes to those who have served us so bravely 
but it's not like we're gonna see a magic solution overnight 
There are 296,000 veterans in Minnesota struggling with food insecurity and that's a huge number to tackle. I hope the statewide network of food pantries will be able to make a real difference, but we should also be aware that there might be some logistical issues 
and bureaucratic red tape to navigate.
needs like SNAP are gettin worse, not better 
. Anyways, I'm hyped that the state is investin resources in this initiative & that Gov Walz is makin moves to put food on those plates. We gotta take care of our own 