Food shelves struggling to serve communities amid high demand, looking for donations

PLYMOUTH, Minn. — This season of giving, Minnesota food shelves are hoping donations will help combat a historic level of need in the community.

Interfaith Outreach and Community Partners' Food Shelf in Plymouth has what's known as a "super shelf," because it's set up to look and feel like a grocery store, all while making it a more welcoming experience. 

"It doesn't feel like they are just getting food, they're actually having a shopping experience and being able to pick some good products," volunteer Laura Merriam said.

They had plenty of food on Thursday, but it's not always been the case. There's a big need for fresh produce items, which are often the most expensive, and the first to go when families are in a bind.

"We have culturally specific foods, we have signage, it's bright, we have different languages we see often in our community," IOCP Executive Director Kevin Ward said.

IOCP says they've seen a 14% increase in people coming to visit the food shelf. Last month, they served 465 families.

They're a partner of Second Harvest Heartland, the state's largest hunger relief organization. Second Harvest says they've served 2 million more people this year compared to last. Some of the reasons include inflation and the end of some pandemic relief programs.

"We served about 800,000 Minnesotans last year, and we're in a state of 5 million people. That is sobering," Second Harvest Heartland CEO Allison O'Toole said.

They say it's a problem that can only be solved if everyone comes to the table.

"The way that people can get involved is one by being an advocate and understanding how this is showing up here in the community and with neighbors. Second, they can always volunteer. We are always looking for volunteers and people getting involved. And thirdly, they can always support financially," Ward said.

Now through Dec. 31, you can double your impact when you make a financial donation to Second Harvest Heartland.