March Is Food Share Month in Minnesota

Minnesota food shelves always need help to replenish their stock, whether it be nonperishable food donations or cash, which the food shelf can take and purchase more items per dollar than we could.

But during the month of March, 330 Minnesota food shelves come together to ask for your help. Food shelf supplies were depleted during the holidays and it typically is still cold in March, which causes needs as well.

The Minnesota Food Share campaign is the largest grassroots campaign in the state, according to Food Share. It's a program of the Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches, which began its work in 1982.

In 2016, the campaign raised $7.9 million and 5.2 million pounds of food.

Northfield area's Community Action Center has a goal of $125,000 and 25,000 pounds of food for 2017. Last year they provided more than 580,000 pounds of food and $25,000 in grocery vouchers. They also served 6,500 meals at their Thursday's table community meals at no cost to the community.

You can donate many ways. Stores like Just Food Co-op in Northfield will take a donation by you rounding up your change or donating nonperishable items. You can also donate at communityactioncenter.org/donate or minnesotafoodshare.org. No Minnesotan, young or old should have to be hungry.