Golden Valley Food Shelf Faces $7,500 Loss After Devastating Power Outage: How You Can Help

A local food shelf in Golden Valley faced a significant setback after a power outage led to the loss of thousands of dollars in perishable food. On September 20, lightning struck a power line, causing the electricity at PRISM to go out for 12 hours. When power returned, a breaker in their walk-in refrigerator blew, requiring repairs.

This incident forced PRISM to discard nearly 2,700 pounds of milk, cheese, and deli items. The estimated loss is around $7,500, a figure that Executive Director Michelle Ness emphasized as unprecedented for their organization. “Food safety is really critical,” she said, reflecting on the large quantity of food that had to be thrown away.

Power outages have become more frequent this summer across the Twin Cities, according to Xcel Energy. As a response, PRISM is now striving to raise funds for a backup generator, which is estimated to cost about $15,000. Ness pointed out that food purchases are one of their largest expenses. This event has underscored the need for better preparation against such setbacks.

In recent months, PRISM has seen a 36% increase in food shelf visits compared to last year. Many new visitors include seniors on fixed incomes and families facing health challenges. This growth highlights the rising demand for food assistance in the community. “Despite this setback, our commitment to the community remains unwavering,” Ness stated.

As of now, it remains uncertain whether insurance will cover the $7,500 loss. The situation serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges food shelves face in supporting those in need.

For those interested in contributing to PRISM, donations can be made through their website.

In light of these challenges, stories like PRISM’s underscore the importance of community support and preparation. Experts in nonprofits often stress the need for reliable contingency plans, particularly during times of rising demand for services.

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