Go to http://mnfoodshare.gmcc.org for more information about Minnesota Food Share.

The effects of hunger for an individual or family can range from poor health and slowed recovery from injury or illness to poor performance at school or work. A growing number of Minnesota households are turning to food shelves for help. During 2009, Semcac Food Shelves in Rushford, Preston, Caledonia, and Dodge Center assisted over 1,110 households with supplemental or emergency food.

During March the annual statewide FoodShare campaign promotes the collection of food and funds to stock the state’s food shelves. As an official participant in the Minnesota FoodShare campaign, Semcac’s food shelves will receive a percentage of the undesignated statewide FoodShare funds. The allocation depends on the amount of food and money raised locally during March and on the number of people served during the remainder of the year. Semcac is also participating in the nationwide Feinstein Challenge, in which $1 million will be divided among participating hunger fighting agencies equal to their proportion of the total amount of food and money collected.

Semcac’s food shelves are asking local service clubs and organizations, businesses, churches, and individuals to help raise food and funds. During March, please bring donated funds, food, and personal care items to your local food shelf. If possible, deliver donations during food shelf hours: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Tuesdays or Thursdays. Donations must be received no later than March 30 in order for Semcac’s food shelves to receive the incentives from the Minnesota FoodShare campaign and the Feinstein Challenge. Thanks for your support!

Click here to find a Semcac food shelf near you: http://www.semcac.org/outreach-services/food-shelves.php