Caring Causes - Salvation Army Food Bank Challenge Match

Donations to The Salvation Army’s Meals 4 Minnesota Food Drive will now go twice as far thanks to a $100,000 challenge match from a Minnesota family, aimed at encouraging community support as the campaign enters its final weeks.

Online gifts made now through March 27 at Meals4MN.org will help meet a $100,000 challenge gift made by a generous local family, to encourage the community to step forward and support Salvation Army food shelves. There are less than two weeks remaining for the food drive, and Salvation Army leaders say community participation will be key to realizing the full benefit in the remaining time.

The annual Meals 4 Minnesota Food Drive helps replenish supplies at nine Salvation Army food shelves across the Twin Cities, where demand for food assistance remains significantly higher than before the pandemic.

“Food shelves across Minnesota continue to see families who are doing their best but are still feeling the pressure of higher costs for housing, groceries, and everyday essentials,” said Lt. Colonel Randall Polsley, Salvation Army Northern Division commander. “This generous $100,000 challenge gives our community a powerful opportunity to make every gift go twice as far and help ensure that neighbors in need will have food on the table.”

The food drive runs through March 27 with 50 convenient drop-off locations throughout the Twin Cities metro area. In addition to giving online, community members may donate unexpired, non-perishable food items at participating Blaze Credit Union locations, Warners’ Stellian stores, and Twin Cities Salvation Army Family Stores and service centers.

Food drive presenting partner Cub Foods is also inviting customers to round up their purchases throughout March at all Minnesota Cub locations, with proceeds benefiting Salvation Army food shelves.

“Food donations and financial gifts both make a tremendous difference,” said Captain Josh Polanco, Twin Cities area commander. “Every contribution helps us keep our food shelves stocked and ready for families who rely on them.”

Individuals, families, schools, businesses, and community groups are also encouraged to host their own food drives using a downloadable starter kit available at Meals4MN.org.

The campaign concludes with a final community-wide drop-off collection on March 27. For suggested donation items, volunteer opportunities, or to make a financial gift, visit Meals4MN.org.

The Salvation Army Northern Division last year helped 387,000 people overcome poverty, addiction and economic hardship through a range of social services, meeting human needs without discrimination. This year, continued 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 over 85 operation centers in Minnesota and North Dakota. For more information about The Salvation Army Northern Division, please visit SalvationArmyNorth.org.