Make every donation count in March at local food shelves
Published on March 12, 2024 at 11:47am EDT | Author: henningmaster
0To the Editor,
March is not “just another month” to the several hundred food shelves and thousands of households served by them throughout the state as numbers of individuals and families with food insecurities continue to grow, especially in rural areas like ours.
This is the perfect time to offer your financial support and/or food donations to the Henning Community Food Shelf as it participates in Minnesota FoodShare Month, an annual statewide program that offers matching funds to local food shelves that raise money and collect food donations between now and April 6.
The Henning Food Shelf, run entirely by a team of dedicated volunteers, has served the community well for decades but, with increasing numbers using the food shelf on a monthly basis, it is in need of additional financial support to keep serving those in need.
The past year brought record numbers of new and regular Henning area clients looking for help with their food needs. Compared with the 2022 total of 449 monthly visits, there were 571 total visits during 2023, with a record-breaking monthly total of 68 during November and a monthly average of 47, compared to the previous year’s average of 37.
The good news is we about broke even between what was donated and what it took to keep the food shelf stocked in 2023, but with higher grocery prices and more people using the food shelf, the need for support is even greater this year.
We want to thank all of those individuals, families, churches, businesses and organizations who have been so generous with their recent donations, especially those who make a special effort to give cash or specific food items to the food shelf on a monthly basis. We are very grateful for each and every donation and each of our volunteers as well.
The Henning community has another special option to direct funds to the food shelf on Sunday, March 17, by attending the Henning Lions Club’s annual food shelf benefit breakfast buffet from 9 a.m. to 12 noon at the Henning Community Center, co-sponsored by a Thrivent Action Team.
In the coming weeks, please consider a donation to the Henning Food Shelf during this time when we can get some matching funds to make yours go even further. Checks may be sent to P.O. Box 176, Henning, MN 56551. If you have food to donate, please call 583-2136. Thank you all so much for your continued support of this much-needed service in our little community! We couldn’t do it without you!
Karen Stueve, Director
Henning Community Food Shelf