Caring Causes - Twin Cities Salvation Army Food Drive

 

The Twin Cities Salvation Army launched its fifth annual Food Drive on Friday, February 28, with the goal of replenishing stock at its nine metro area food shelves.   The food drive will run February 28 to March 26, with 50 convenient food donation drop-off locations in the Twin Cities metro area. People can donate unexpired non-perishable foods at any participating Slumberland store, Blaze Credit Union, Warners’ Stellian store, and at all Twin Cities Salvation Army Family Stores and service centers.   In addition, food drive presenter Cub Foods will be asking customers to round up their purchases to the next dollar to support Salvation Army food shelves. The round-up campaign will run the entire month of March in all Minnesota Cub stores.   This year, the food drive is even more critical for Minnesotans struggling with hunger. A record 9 million people visited a Minnesota food shelf last year1—nearly 20% more than the previous record set in 2023, and a 150% increase since 20212.   “Studies show that nearly two-thirds of Americans report living paycheck-to-paycheck,”3 said Lt. Colonel Randall Polsley, Salvation Army Northern Division commander. “The challenge people face is that inflationary prices are not receding and, in fact, are still rising at a modest rate. Demand for services at our food pantries remains immensely high, which is why this food drive is so vitally important.”   Most agree that the surge in food insecurity is due to the recent increases in food, rent and energy costs. The U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee recently reported that since January 2021, the average Minnesota household is spending over $1,200 more per month as a result of inflation.4   “Certainly, rising costs create challenges for Minnesota families, but it also means that purchases we make for our food shelves are also costing more,” Polsley said. “Food costs have risen more than 140% since the start of the pandemic in 2020, so the more food we can collect, the more families we can assist.”   Last year, The Salvation Army provided 3 million meals through its food shelves and feeding programs in Minnesota.   “Our most urgent need today is keeping Minnesota families fed,” said Captain Josh Polanco, Twin Cities area commander. “With the community’s help, we hope to collect enough food to help the hundreds of thousands of hungry Minnesotans depending on us for assistance."   This year’s goal is to collect enough food and donations to provide 1 million meals. Individuals and organizations are encouraged to host their own food drive with a provided starter kit; visit The Salvation Army food drive website to find out how.   The food drive will also culminate in a final community-wide drop-off collection on Wednesday, March 26. For a list of suggested food items, to volunteer, to make a financial gift, or for more information, visit the food drive website here.   Interviews with Salvation Army leadership are possible; please contact Dan Furry at the contact options listed above.     1 https://www.thefoodgroupmn.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/FINAL-Food-Shelf-Visits-2024-Report_22625.pdf 2 https://www.hungersolutions.org/data-posts/minnesotans-made-3-6-million-visits-to-food-shelves-in-2021-hitting-pre-pandemic-levels/ 3 https://www.marketwatch.com/guides/banking/americans-broke-study/ 4 https://www.jec.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/republicans/minnesota-inflation-report/     #     #     #   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 more than 85 operation centers in Minnesota and North Dakota. For more information about The Salvation Army Northern Division, please visit SalvationArmyNorth.org.