As the government shutdown continued into late October and SNAP benefits were set to end November 1, communities across southeastern Minnesota turned to Semcac Food Shelves for support. Food Shelf directors and managers, including Wendy Todd, Morgan Steffens, Sarah Wangen, and Andrea Andresen, reported sharp increases in both donations and new visitors, reflecting growing concern over food insecurity. Despite rising demand, the shelves remain stocked thanks to the generosity of local residents, churches, schools, and businesses like Rushford Foods, Preston Foods, and Channel One. Donations of food and funds are helping fill immediate gaps, with high-need items including spaghetti sauce, canned goods, and cereal. Special efforts such as holiday food boxes, local food drives, and community donation programs will continue through the holiday season. Semcac staff emphasize that food shelves are a resource for anyone in need—encouraging people to “take what you need, and give what you can.”

Read the full article here: https://fillmorecountyjournal.com/semcac-food-shelves-ready-to-help/