Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud is excitedly preparing for its 16th annual Pack the Porches food and fund drive this Friday. This initiative has become a key event in the St. Cloud community, especially as the need for emergency food assistance rises. Reports indicate that between 2024 and 2025, the number of individuals served increased by 17%.
The drive encourages locals to donate non-perishable food items or cash. Donations can be dropped off at three locations: Pioneer Place on Fifth, St. Cloud Hyundai, and St. Cloud Financial Credit Union from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Notably, Pioneer Place will open early at 6:00 a.m. where KNSI’s Bob Hughes will broadcast live, highlighting the event’s significance.
Eric Vollen, Emergency Services Program Manager at Catholic Charities, described the growing urgency. He shared, “Families are struggling to choose between paying bills and buying groceries.” Many at the food shelf are first-time visitors, often driven to seek aid by rising costs of housing, healthcare, and unpredictable job markets. Interestingly, seniors represent the fastest-growing group in need of these services.
Vollen emphasized that rescued food is vital to the food shelf’s offerings. “We receive healthy food that would otherwise go to waste, thanks to partners like Coborn’s and Walmart,” he explained. In fact, 65% to 70% of the food comes from food rescue initiatives.
Despite the support from businesses, events like Pack the Porches are crucial for meeting community needs. Cash donations have an impressive impact. Through partnerships, Catholic Charities can transform every dollar into three dollars’ worth of groceries. This year, Coborn’s is matching donations up to $15,000, further amplifying community contributions.
Food insecurity affects more than just St. Cloud. In Minnesota, over 9 million visits to food shelves occurred in 2024, a marked increase from 7.5 million the previous year, revealing a 150% jump compared to pre-pandemic levels. Alarmingly, one in five households in Minnesota faces food insecurity, with 26% of families with children struggling to maintain consistent access to food.
Pack the Porches has a solid track record. Last year, the drive gathered 6,437 pounds of food and raised $21,291. Over its 15-year history, it has raised more than $226,000 and nearly 105,000 pounds of food. This year’s goals are ambitious: $20,000 and 10,000 pounds of food.
This initiative is also part of the larger Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign, which runs until April 6th, spotlighting statewide efforts to combat hunger.
For more details on Pack the Porches and the broader Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign, you can find more information here.
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