Hometown Food Security Project unveils new home in downtown Austin

The Hometown Food Security Project (HFSP) has a new home, and it has company. Joined by Austin Aspires and representatives from the United Way of Mower County Backpack Program, the HFSP and its partners unveiled their office location with a grand-opening event Sept. 25 in Austin, Minn. Located at 318 N Main Street, the new downtown storefront promises to be a haven of helpful resources for the people of Mower County.

The HFSP’s mission is to combat food insecurity in Mower County, while the primary objective of Austin Aspires is to aid local students, cradle to career. To undertake both tasks simultaneously, a collaborative approach was required, a collective sharing of ideas and resources. That is exactly what this new office space represents.

The office is located within walking distance of the Salvation Army, Mower County Health and Human Services and the Austin Farmers Market, among several other downtown establishments offering services.

The new office location will better connect community members in need to the resources that can help them. Food is available at the new location, of course, as are educational resources like tutoring and early childhood development. There are even hotspot checkouts available, with digital-equity coordinators stationed at the office multiple times per week to help people gain access to affordable connectivity.

The United Way of Mower County Backpack Program, also newly housed at 318 N Main Street, is another helpful resource available to local kids, particularly those most at risk of suffering from food insecurity. Currently available in five Mower County school districts, the program sends enrolled students home each weekend with a backpack full of food.

Appointments at the new location are available to be made from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday-Thursday.