Midway Food & Empowerment Project

The Midway Food and Empowerment Project (Midway Project) is a resident-led initiative established to meet an immediate need at the end of May 2020 - responding to the need following the murder of George Floyd - and has continued to work with community partners and neighbors to build a sustainable source of community support. During our near weekly distributions since June 2020, we have built a community of care that supports an average of 70-80 families each week.

In addition to our usual distribution items (fresh produce, pantry staples, household, personal care, and baby items) our reliable, efficient, and community-centered model allows us to distribute other items and resources as needed, such as free masks, school supplies, family games and activities, and food, housing and employment resources. Our neighbors can pick up items for other neighbors, friends, or family members who may be homebound or whose schedules conflict with distribution events. In addition to supporting their own families, they are caring for other people in their lives and expanding our circle of care.

Since the early days of this project our desire was for the Midway Project to be a sustainable, long-term effort that will last beyond the immediate need that early summer 2020 required. Even as the energy and attention to the needs of our community fell from the headlines, we have continued to learn and adapt and expand our capacity to build a community of care. 

Who we serve:

The Midway Project serves hungry, food-insecure, Saint Paul residents. Most clients live in the 55104 zip code. At least half (50%) of our clients are immigrant families. Languages spoken include Hmong, Karen, Somali, Spanish, Mandarin, and English. Some of the barriers our clients face include language, transportation, health issues that have limited the opportunity to work, underemployment, unexpectedly taking care of grandchildren and/or having to house grown children and their families, mental health issues, drug and alcohol addiction, medical emergencies, and housing. We serve unhoused clients as well as those on the brink of losing housing.

Relationship building is at the heart of what we do. Beginning with a short conversation at check-in and positive interactions at each distribution station, we are doing more than putting essential items in someone’s vehicle. We talk about the joys and struggles of everyday life. We know if they’ve got kids at home, what size diapers they need, and if they’re moving to a new place and might need some extra household items. We know when they’re looking for work when a baby has been born, and when they’ve experienced a loss. We engage and plan with our neighbors’ stories in our hearts and in our minds so as their needs change, we can respond quickly and compassionately. We love our neighbors and are grateful to serve in the long, sometimes forgotten, tradition of communities organizing to care for one another. 

To see the most up to date distribution schedule or other ways to donate, visit our webpage: https://www.hamlinemidway.org/TheMidwayProject

To volunteer at an upcoming distribution visit https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b0c4ea5ae2aa1f58-themidway1