We are again hosting our Annual Food & Fund Drive as part of the Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign. This marks our 9th year. From March 1 through April 6, we will collect money or non-perishable food donations at all three of our locations. Farmers & Merchants State Bank will again match each donation, dollar for dollar or dollar for pound—up to $2,000 per location.
Why does this event matter? Food insecurity experts say that status quo isn’t working, and hunger studies and statistics support this statement. In 2024, an estimated record-breaking 9 million visits were made to local food shelves—an increase of 20% from the previous record set in 2023. Some additional MN food insecurity findings from Second Harvest Heartland’s statewide survey:
- 1 in 5 Minnesotans faced food insecurity in 2023?
- All 87 counties in Minnesota experience food insecurity?
- People 60+ are the fastest-growing segment of food pantry visitors?
- Needs in March often significantly exceed MN food shelf donations?
We can make a difference. Let’s help our communities thrive by filling our local food shelves together. All Donations will go to:
- Catholic Charities Emergency Service Food Shelf – St. Cloud*
- Eden Valley Area Food Shelf – Food Distribution Center
- Pierz Area Food Shelf – Food Distribution Center
*F&M will participate in the Catholic Charities Emergency Services Food Shelf Pack the Porches Food and Fund Drive on March 28, 2025. All donations brought to one of the three drop-off locations from 7 AM to 1 PM that day, will be matched by Coborn’s up to $15,000! You don’t even need to get out of your car! We’ll be there helping at the St. Cloud Hyundai drop-off. Learn more at: https://www.ccstcloud.org/packtheporches.
CLICK HERE to DOWNLOAD F&M Annual Food & Fund Drive Flyer & Facts