Earlier this month, a power outage at PRISM food shelf in Golden Valley, Minnesota, resulted in the loss of nearly 6,000 pounds of food. Kenny Gilman, the logistics coordinator, expressed the frustration of wasting so much valuable food. This incident occurred when a lightning strike disrupted their power, causing them to discard perishable items like cheese, eggs, and milk.
The timing couldn’t have been worse. Demand for food is surging, with about 500 families relying on PRISM each week—a 20% increase from what was already a record year in 2024. Executive Director Michelle Ness noted that their thrift store, which helps fund food purchases, was also affected by the outage.
“This hurts our ability to serve the community,” Ness said. “Food costs are rising, and we need our refrigerators and freezers operating without interruption.”
In light of this, PRISM is considering raising funds for a generator, which could cost between $15,000 and $80,000. With food insecurity on the rise, many believe this investment is vital.
A recent study from the U.S. Department of Agriculture found that food insecurity affects nearly 10% of U.S. households, signifying a widespread issue exacerbated by rising costs. Local organizations like PRISM are facing unprecedented challenges as they work to meet increasing demand with shrinking resources.
The power outage resulted in nearly $8,000 in losses for PRISM. As more people seek assistance, organizations must adapt quickly to avoid similar setbacks in the future.
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Food Banks, Power Outage
