Lend a Healthy, Helping Hand this March
Have you ever thought about what happens to local food shelves once the influx of holiday season donations winds down?
As the New Year passes, food shelves are depleted. This spring, to help restock food shelves, Twin Cities natural food co-ops are joining Minnesota FoodShare’s March Campaign and pledging to raise 85,000 in combined food pounds and dollars.
The 11 Twin Cities natural food co-ops are encouraging shoppers to donate both money and healthy foods. By contributing nutritious, natural and organic foods, participants give those who depend on food shelves healthier options when feeding their families. Shoppers can stop by any Twin Cities natural food co-op to drop off food or dollar donations. Monetary donations make the biggest impact but if you choose to donate food, consider selecting:
• Whole grain cereals
• Flour (white and whole wheat)
• Rice
• Canned vegetables
• Applesauce
• Dried fruit
• Canned fruit in juice rather than syrup
• Dry or canned milk
• Peanut butter
• Hearty soups like beef or chicken
• Dry roasted nuts
• Dry or canned beans
• Canned tuna, chicken, ham or salmon
• Dried herbs
• Salad dressing
• Vegetable or olive oil
• Baby food
For the month of March, you will see cash collection cans at the registers of Valley Natural Foods where contributions will be given to Community Action Council’s food shelf. Food items will be collected in addition to cash. Just look for the big yellow bin located at the store exit. Community Action Council is the current recipient for the co-op’s collection.
In its 28th year, Minnesota FoodShare – a Minneapolis-based nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing hunger in Minnesota – and dozens of local supporting organizations work tirelessly to restock diminishing supplies at more than 260 food shelves across the state. The organization’s goal is to collectively raise $12 million dollars/pounds during this month’s campaign.
February 26th, 2010 at 9:24 am
Thanks for sharing this article with us. We donate and volunteer regularly at our local food shelf so the list of needed items is helpful to have when we shop at Valley Natural Foods we just pick up something extra to donate. Being a regular volunteer has made me aware of some of the other needs such as toothpaste, hair & body care products, toilet paper, feminine products and baby food. Keep in mind that items beyond their expiration date are not accepted. Most food shelves do not have space for perishable items so check with your local food shelf before donating food that is perishable. One more note food shelves do not accept home canned goods or food that has been opened or prepackaged because of health laws.
Thank you for considering a donation to a food shelf in your community.
Tina C.