Food Shelf campaign continues
Tue, 03/27/2018 - 10:18am
admin
By:
(Submitted by Cheryl Sistad, Chairman)
Donations are coming in at a slower pace this year than in years past. So far, the Grygla-Gatzke Food Shelf has received 370 pounds of food and $850.00 donations. This is a long way from last year’s March donations of 702 pounds of food and $5,445.00 in monetary donations. There is still time to get your donations in as the Grygla-Gatzke Food Shelf is participating in the Minnesota Food Share March Campaign which runs until April 8th. By doing so, we are eligible for matching funds based on the amount of funding and food donations we receive as compared to that raised by other food shelves.
In the past, one of our big supporters was Walmart in Thief River Falls. We are still fortunate to be able to pick up donated food on a monthly basis. This varies as to their supplies (slightly dented cans or squashed boxes, etc.) and we are able to pick up a couple boxes before our food shelf day, just not as much as in the past as they are supplying more food shelfs now. Recently, we’ve been able to add surplus from the Grygla Cooperative Store, which is a big help. Since we are only open once a month, it is difficult for us to keep fresh fruits and vegetables on hand, but last month and this month, we had pears. (Although donated garden surplus in the summer/fall goes over good, as well!) We are more fortunate than some food shelves because we have freezer space and can offer some frozen fruits and vegetables, and with refrigerator space, we can offer milk. We usually have whole-wheat pasta, dried beans and rice available, but we’re always on the lookout for quick and easy recipes using them. If you have any good recipes, please let us know.
Just a reminder that with your monetary donations, we are able to purchase food items from the North Country Food Bank at a greatly reduced rate. This allows us to really stretch our donations to meet the needs of our community.
We urge everyone (individuals, civic organizations, and businesses) to consider making a donation to the Grygla-Gatzke Food Shelf to take advantage of this grant program. Food donations may be left at participating area churches or at the Grygla Co-op Store. Donations can be sent or given to the Treasurer of the Grygla-Gatzke Food Shelf, Lori Thompson, 222 Evelyn Avenue, PO Box 105, Grygla, MN, 56727.