“Emergency SNAP benefits end, Minnesota food shelves brace for growing need,” (StarTribune headline, February 28, 2023)
Extra SNAP benefits (formerly called Food Stamps) were started in March 2020. Over 432,000 Minnesotans received the extra SNAP benefits; the last of these extra benefits ends this month because the COVID emergency is ending. The StarTribune article states that officials who work for food shelves say the need for food assistance is higher than last year and even higher than before the pandemic.
As we all know from going to any grocery store, the prices of food have risen dramatically with inflation. Food shelves also have to pay more money to get the same products; Second Harvest Heartland estimates that food costs were up 20% in fall 2022 over fall 2021.
But you can help reduce food insecurity for people right in our neighborhood! March is Minnesota Food Share month and this year we are giving you two opportunities: give financial support which will go to Groveland Food Shelf, the food shelf that FCC has supported for many years, and/or bring actual food to put into the white barrel! We have not asked for actual food for several years because of the pandemic but this year you have the opportunity to do so. (Please bring only non- perishable items whose expiration date is in the future.)
As usual, you can give monetary donations through Givelify (Groveland Food Shelf is listed) or send a check to the church office with “Groveland” written in the memo line. Every dollar and every can makes a difference! You can also bring food to Bagels, Books & Blankets on Saturday, April 1.
Story by Karen Kandik
