Caring Causes - Salvation Army Food Drive

The Twin Cities Salvation Army launched its annual Meals4Minnesota Food Drive on Friday, February 27, aiming to replenish supplies at its nine metro-area food shelves as demand for food assistance remains elevated across the region.

The food drive runs now through March 27, with 50 convenient donation drop-off locations throughout the Twin Cities metro area. Community members may donate unexpired, non-perishable food items at participating Blaze Credit Union locations, Warners’ Stellian stores, and all Twin Cities Salvation Army Family Stores and service centers. Visit Meals4MN.org for a complete list of drop-off centers.

Helping kick off this year’s campaign is a $25,000 matching gift from a generous Twin Cities family foundation, doubling the impact of early financial donations and allowing food shelves to restock critical items more quickly.

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

Community Support Needed as Demand for Food Assistance Remains High
Food insecurity continues to affect many Minnesota households as elevated costs for groceries, housing, and utilities strain family budgets. Visits to Minnesota food shelves have nearly tripled since before the pandemic, as prices for food, rent, and utilities remain at all-time highs.

“Many families are working hard but still struggling to keep up with higher everyday expenses,” said Lt. Colonel Randall Polsley, Salvation Army Northern Division commander. “Demand at our food shelves remains high, and community support during this food drive helps ensure our neighbors have reliable access to nutritious food.”

Rising food prices have also reduced purchasing power for hunger relief organizations like The Salvation Army, making donated food especially important.

“Our priority is making sure families don’t have to choose between paying bills and putting food on the table,” said Captain Josh Polanco, Twin Cities area commander. “A donation to The Salvation Army of just $25 is enough to feed a family of three for a week.”

Individuals and organizations are encouraged to host their own food drives using a downloadable starter kit available on The Salvation Army food drive website at Meals4MN.org.

The campaign will culminate in a final community-wide drop-off collection on Friday, March 27. For suggested donation items, volunteer opportunities, or to make a financial gift, visit the Meals4MN.org for more information.

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.