The National Association of Letter Carriers united for the 21st
Annual "Stamp Out Hunger" Food Drive, the largest one-day food
drive in the nation. Last year, over 70 million pounds of food
was donated for food banks, food pantries and food shelters
across the nation. In our 34 county service territory, over
450,000 pounds were collected for the Food Bank of Central &
Eastern NC.
It's easy to participate! Simply place your non-perishable food
items by your mailbox on Saturday, May 11th or deliver them to
your local post office. A donation from these zip codes goes
directly to Neighbors. 55075, 55076, 55077, 55118, 55120
Most needed items include: canned meats, juice, pancake
mix, syrup, pasta sauce, oatmeal, chili, sloppy joe mix, ramen
noodles, jelly.
Volunteers and staff at Neighbors have been overwhelmed these past weeks by the generosity of our friends who have shared both food and funds to support Neighbors during Minnesota FoodShare month. The barrels we have placed in throughout the community continue to overflow with nutritious food for needy neighbors. Thank you so much to those of you that have given….and TIME IS RUNNING OUT for those of you that have not yet donated.
As we wrap up Minnesota FoodShare Month we want to share some of the bad news – and the good news:
First, the discouraging statistics:
Visits to our Neighbors’ Food Shelf have increased 65% over the last two years.
Individuals eligible for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – formerly called food stamps) have nearly doubled – the number of eligible children has increased 50% while nearly 37,000 of SNAP-eligible adults are aged 60 or older.
The 2010 Census showed that almost 200,000 Minnesota children live in poverty. The number of Minnesota children living in families below 8% of the federal poverty level is more 393,000.
We have more, but we want to share the good news, too:
Neighbors’ new facility has allowed us to meet the increased needs efficiently and effectively. Improvements such as client choice, enabling clients to “shop” for their groceries in our Food Shelf has made the experience more pleasant and more personal for clients. It also reduces waste.
Individuals and groups have carried the Neighbors’ message in truly creative ways. We are particularly proud of youth who have heeded the call: The South St Paul Mayor’s Youth Task Force is leading the charge with a goal of 15,000 lbs. Mayor Baumann’s team, with the help of the South St Paul Jaycees and dozens of local businesses are well on their way
Neighbors church reps and other volunteers have carried the message, rallied their friends, neighbors and fellow congregants to pull together to meet the challenge of Minnesota Food Share Month.
We at Neighbors are immensely proud of what this community has accomplished in the past three weeks. This week we observe the sacred season of both Holy Week and Passover. We hope that the spirit of generosity that so prevails during this season will inspire us all to think deep, and then dig deep.
Our thanks to all who are helping us this week and throughout the year – as donors, volunteers and good neighbors.
Help Feed Hungry Kids!
Good nutrition is necessary for students to learn effectively.
Volunteers are needed to serve breakfasts and lunches to
students attending summer school. No meal preparation is
necessary. This is perfect for churches, workplaces, community
groups, families, and individuals looking for fun opportunities
to help their community.
Learn more about
Help Feed Hungry Kids>
Neighbors’ Food Shelf
The Food Shelf was Neighbors’ first program
designed to help those in need in the south metro area. Neighbors’
Food Shelf opened its doors in 1972, and still continues to provide
for the community forty years later. The Food Shelf provides food
and hygiene products for about 330 families and individuals needing
assistance each month... {read
article}
Volunteer drivers needed!
65,000 lbs. of food is donated to the food shelf during the
month of March. Help Neighbors effectively distribute food to
families in need. Volunteer drivers are needed to pick up
donations from businesses, schools, and churches and deliver
them to our food shelf. If you like to get out and experience
the kindness of your community, then this is the opportunity for
you. Interested in helping your neighbors in need? Complete a
Volunteer Interest Form by clicking here.
Neighbors, Inc. is raising $2.5 million to establish the
organization’s new, permanent home at 222 Grand Avenue West in South
Saint Paul. With generous support from numerous
foundations, businesses, organizations, individuals, and churches,
60% of the goal has been committed. The level of support
demonstrated for Neighbors through donations to the Campaign is
humbling, and we are grateful. The Campaign Committee continues its
work to secure the remaining $1 million needed to complete the
Campaign. A successful capital campaign will ensure an even greater
impact on low income children, adults and families for many years to
come. If you are considering making a donation to Neighbors’ Capital
Campaign but have questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at
(651) 306-2148. We sincerely appreciate your interest and look
forward to welcoming you to the new Neighbors, Inc.!
Volunteers and staff at Neighbors have been overwhelmed these past weeks by the generosity of our friends who have shared both food and funds to support Neighbors during Minnesota FoodShare month. The barrels we have placed in throughout the community continue to overflow with nutritious food for needy neighbors. Thank you so much to those of you that have given….and TIME IS RUNNING OUT for those of you that have not yet donated.
As we wrap up Minnesota FoodShare Month we want to share some of the bad news – and the good news:
foundations, businesses, organizations, individuals, and churches,
60% of the goal has been committed. The level of support
demonstrated for Neighbors through donations to the Campaign is
humbling, and we are grateful. The Campaign Committee continues its
work to secure the remaining $1 million needed to complete the
Campaign. A successful capital campaign will ensure an even greater
impact on low income children, adults and families for many years to
come. If you are considering making a donation to Neighbors’ Capital
Campaign but have questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at
(651) 306-2148. We sincerely appreciate your interest and look
forward to welcoming you to the new Neighbors, Inc.!
United Way helps here. Learn more...