Grygla/Gatzke Food Shelf is here to help

Written by Kari Sundberg, Eagle Editor

“We haven’t gotten any phone calls from anyone, surprisingly. I think people are just too proud right now,” admitted Cheryl Sistad and Joni Anderson, both with the Grygla/Gatzke Food Shelf.

Minnesota has a strong, resourceful, and compassionate hunger relief system, which includes the Grygla/Gatzke Food Shelf which serves over 30 local families monthly.

Included in a recent COVID-19 aid package signed by Governor Walz was an $11 million appropriation for food shelf programs. “That is A LOT of money,” said Cheryl, who added that the funds are there to be utilized. “We have our regular families coming in, which is great,” she said. “But we’re here for a reason. This is a time of disaster; people have had their hours cut or lost their jobs. Kids are home from school. Money is tight right now and we’re here to help alleviate some of that stress,” she added.

In neighboring Thief River Falls, their food shelf is open twice a week. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, they have seen a huge increase in clients with people lining up all the way to the highway. One can only assume that residents of these smaller towns are making trips to a bigger food shelf because they are too proud to turn to their local food shelf.

Joni Anderson added that everything is confidential; no one is judged, talked about or turned away. The Grygla/Gatzke Food Shelf wants to serve its residents – especially now. 

More than 300 food shelves currently receive Minnesota Food Shelf Program funding. Eligible food shelves will each receive $2000 in base funding; including Grygla. Each can apply for more, if needed. Cheryl says there isn’t a need for Grygla to apply for more right now. This relief package is also allowing more startup food shelves right now with opportunities and funding available for interested parties.

“It hasn’t hit that hard up here yet, but it’s coming. And we want to be here for our families,” the two agreed.

Joni and Cheryl shared the following information on income guidelines, as it has hugely increased, allowing more eligible families to qualify. You can see below that the numbers have almost doubled. 

 

(Previous income eligibility)

Family size/Annual income

One: $0-$24,280

Two: $24,281-$32,920

Three: $32,921-$41,560

Four: $41,561 - $50,200

Five: $50,201 - $58,840

Six: $58,841 - $67,480

Seven: $67,481 - $76,120

Eight: $76,121 - $84,760

 

(Current income eligibility)

Family size/Annual income

One: $0-$38,280

Two: $38,281-$51,720

Three: $51,721 - $65,160

Four: $65,161-$78,600

Five: $78,601 - $92,040

Six: $92,041-$105,480

Seven: $105,481-$118,920

Eight: $118,921-$132,360

 

The food shelf is available to serve people who may need a helping hand not only on an income-based need, but also in case of a disaster (fire, flood, etc.). The Covid-19 affecting our country definitely fits this disaster category.

The Grygla-Gatzke Food Shelf will be open this Saturday, April 25th, at their location in the west side of the Motel 89 building. The hours are 8-10:30am. Please call Joni or Cheryl as soon as possible, so they have an idea on how many new people will be coming. However, if you show up that day, you will not be turned away.

Also, the March food shelf campaign has been extended until April 30th, due to everything going on. Usually, many donations are received, but that hasn’t been the case due to the current situation. There is another campaign running in July that the Grygla/Gatzke Food Shelf may decide to participate in, as well, in order for goals to be met. Some of the goals for our local food shelf also include replacing the current appliances with newer, more energy-efficient ones.

Meanwhile, the following is being asked of clients:

• Do NOT come to the food shelf location if you have a cold or are not feeling well. Send another person in your place to pick up your food. 

• Please understand if we ask only one person to come to the food shelf door (no one is allowed inside) at a time, others should wait in their vehicles.

• We are no longer allowed to help you load you vehicles, so please keep this in mind.

Any questions, call Cheryl Sistad at 218-684-4707 or Joni Anderson at 218-689-7418.

In closing, Cheryl said these challenging times remind her of a couple of bible stories. “One is from Ruth when Mordecai says maybe we are here for times such as this. The other one is the story of Joseph in Egypt – you’ve got to store up seven good years to make up for the bad year. So right now, we’ve got the funds to go out and buy the food for the people who need it. We are in a position to help people and we’re here for a reason.” she concluded.