As the article describes, we have been experiencing a dramatic increase in demand for services. Over the past three months, we have seen a 60% increase over the prior year in December, up to 70% in January and in February that number jumped to 96% - almost double over the previous year.
We are also preparing for another increase in demand as April marks the end of additional emergency relief support of the SNAP program, previously known as food stamps. Some of our families will see as much as a two hundred dollar a month reduction in benefits which will greatly impact their budget and ability to access enough food for themselves and their families.
For these reasons, this campaign, which runs through Sunday, April 9, is more important than ever. BONUS - all campaign donations of both food and money will be proportionally matched by MN FoodShare.
Last year during this campaign we raised $14,222 and 12,098 pounds of food! Just as we doubled the number of individuals served last month - we would also love to double the dollars and pounds of food donated too! Today, we sit at $18,653 and 10,184 pounds of food donated. Thank you everyone who has contributed thus far!
There is still one full week to participate! Please consider a donation, hosting a food/fund drive and/or encouraging others to do the same! If you are part of a group that would like to host a food/fundraiser (civic, faith, book club, neighborhood, school, etc.), and need ideas, please contact patti@bountifulbasketfoodshelf.org. With your support, we can keep our shelves full for our neighbors! Thank you!
