GRAND RAPIDS — Second Harvest North Central Food Bank is participating in the statewide Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign as food insecurity is rising.
Second Harvest Executive Director Sue Estee talked with Heidi Holtan on the Wednesday, March 15, Morning Show about food insecurity in the region.
“The campaign is halfway over — but we’ve only reached 20% of our goal," Estee said. "The time to help is now.”
"Too many of our neighbors — children, seniors, working families — are facing hunger.”Sue Estee, Executive Director, Second Harvest
According to Estee, food shelves are seeing an almost 50% increase in use.
“With grocery prices and inflation straining budgets, too many of our neighbors — children, seniors, working families — are facing hunger," she said.
When individuals, congregations, businesses, schools or service clubs participate in the Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign by donating to their local food shelf, their donation stays local but counts towards a statewide effort to help stock the shelves of every food shelf in the state. Food shelves receive a proportionate match of donations, meaning donations go even further for those facing hunger, according to a news release.
The Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign gives people an opportunity to make a difference in the local community by acting before April 9. Estee also said volunteers are needed throughout the region.
Those facing food insecurity may find a food shelf near them through Second Harvest North Central Food Bank.