To the Editor,

Today I received word from the sponsor of the Minnesota Food Share March Campaign that a total of $9.8 million was raised and 5.4 million pounds of food were donated statewide during the 2022 campaign. 

Just in our little town alone, the Henning Community Food Shelf received $8,894.38 in donations and 665.3 pounds of food during that time and will also benefit from a share of the statewide donations based on our totals when they are dispersed in August. It never ceases to amaze me what generous and caring people we have here who help us provide food for our neighbors, not just once a year during a special campaign, but year-round as well. 

Whether you helped with or donated to a fundraiser or food collection or gave individual donations of money or food during the past several months, the board of directors, volunteers and clients of the Henning Food Shelf wish to express our most sincere thanks for your generosity. During 2021, there were 397 client visits made to the food shelf and we grew a minority population that we serve, so we definitely continue to need community support to keep us going. While there are income guidelines, we serve anyone in need in the Henning school district and clients may shop once or twice a month as needed. 

Regular client hours are still 3:30-5 p.m. every Monday, except major federal holidays, or appointments may also be made to shop, to pick up or for deliveries on Tuesday mornings or other times if needed. 

The food shelf is located in the old city hall building at 604 Second Street across from the Henning Community Center. Cash donations are always welcome and can be sent to P.O. Box 176, Henning, MN 56551. Non-perishable food donations are also appreciated, but we ask that you call 583-2136 to make arrangements to deliver them at a different time other than during client hours. We ask that attention be given to expiration dates to enable us to share fresher foods with our clients. 

If you’d like to donate case lots, please call to see what our current needs are. Due to limited cold storage, we are unable to accept large quantities of fresh produce. Please also call before bringing produce to the food shelf.

Again, thank you to everyone who donated recently and to our dedicated group of volunteers who donate their time every week to assist our clients. You are all very much appreciated for your generous support of the Henning Food Shelf!

Karen Stueve, 

Director Henning Food Shelf