Thanks to a number of deliveries and donations this past week, The Salvation Army in the Twin Cities was able to exceed its 2 Million Pounds Food Drive target by collecting the equivalent of 2.14 million pounds of food. The annual campaign is intended to restock the shelves at The Salvation Army’s nine Twin Cities food pantries, where demand for services has increased 30-50% over service levels seen during the pandemic.
The collected food will provide nearly 1.3 million meals to families experiencing food insecurity— the equivalent of approximately three months’ worth of food distributions from Salvation Army food pantries. The month-long effort is believed to be the largest single food drive held in the Twin Cities.
The need for food assistance in the Twin Cities and beyond continues to escalate. Last year, Minnesotans set a record with 5.5 million visits to food shelves statewide—far exceeding the previous record of 3.8 million in 20201, set during the peak of the pandemic.
The increased need for food assistance is being attributed to the higher costs for food, gas, rent and utilities. One government study reports that since January 2021, Minnesota households are spending an average of $800 more per month as a result of inflation2. As a result, Minnesota eviction actions have increased by 46% as compared to pre-pandemic averages3. Currently, there are 68,000 Minnesota households behind in their rent4 and at risk of eviction.
“This food drive would not have been possible without the enormous amount of support that came from our community,” said Lt. Colonel Dan Jennings, Salvation Army Northern Division commander. “We are grateful to all of the individuals, families and companies for their generosity.”
“Providing food assistance to families in need is one of our most important ministries,” said Paul Deakins, Salvation Army executive director of development. “No one should have to choose between paying rent or feeding their family.”
For those still wishing to help, please visit 2MillionPounds.org to make a financial gift toward the food drive.
1 https://www.hungersolutions.
2 www.jec.senate.gov/public/
3 https://evictionlab.org/
4 nationalequityatlas.org/rent-
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The Salvation Army Northern Division last year helped 300,000 people overcome poverty, addiction and economic hardship through a range of social services, meeting human needs without discrimination. This year, new struggles caused by food shortages, inflation, increased energy costs and the threat of eviction have elevated the numbers of those seeking assistance.
By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army Northern Division is #DoingTheMostGood at 77 operation centers in Minnesota and North Dakota. For more information about The Salvation Army Northern Division, please visit SalvationArmyNorth.org.
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