Transforming Lives: How Food Rescue is Fighting Hunger in the Lakes Area

On a chilly morning, workers at Central Lakes College (CLC) loaded vans with pallets full of food. They were preparing to deliver fresh produce, sandwiches, and more to those in need in the Brainerd lakes area.

The first stop was Sharing Bread Soup Kitchen. There, the team would weigh the food and restock shelves for local food pantries. Partners from food shelves would arrive to collect what they require, while some food would go to the Lakes Area Food Shelf in Pequot Lakes. After this, a quick trip back to Costco was necessary to collect any remaining food before heading to Target and Walmart for more pickups.

A portion of the food finds its way to the Central Lakes College Food Pantry, helping students manage their grocery budgets. Erich Heppner, the director of Student Life, shares, “It’s rewarding work, and our students appreciate it.”

Heppner leads a team of students and assistants who take trips to Costco seven days a week, along with additional trips to Target and Walmart. They gather food that would otherwise go to waste. This includes bakery items and produce often marked with yesterday’s date.

“When customers shop, they usually pick out the freshest items,” Heppner noted. “The older items remain, and too often, they end up in landfills, even though they’re still good.”

Thanks to this initiative, food that might have been wasted is now reaching students, seniors, families, and others in need.

The Sharing Bread Soup Kitchen has a walk-in refrigerator and freezer funded through county COVID-19 relief funds. This space has become crucial for food shelves in Crow Wing County, allowing volunteers from various nearby towns like Crosslake and Emily to access what they need for their clients. CLC’s students play a key role in this process, helping glean and distribute food efficiently.

Two students, Elena Kahler-Sinotte and JoAnn Hoof, shared their motivations for joining this effort. Both experienced food insecurity growing up and want to ensure others don’t face similar struggles. Kahler-Sinotte recalled, “When I lacked food, I sometimes only had soda to suppress my appetite. It was tough.” Hoof agreed, emphasizing that she knows many others have had the same challenges.

Recent surveys indicated that around 32% of CLC students face some form of food insecurity. While this is a decrease, it’s still a concern for Heppner. The college’s food pantry has evolved into a more accessible and inviting space, aiming to remove any stigma associated with needing assistance. The pantry saw 697 student visits within a week, showing increased engagement.

Heppner mentioned that students even have Snapchat groups to share the latest food arrivals, leading to a steady stream of visitors. Many of the food pantry’s resources also support student parents, who may prioritize feeding their children over themselves. This highlights how crucial these resources are in supporting student success.

The motto “Eat well, study well” underscores the importance of providing quality food for academic success. Beyond the Brainerd campus, CLC has a smaller food pantry at its Staples campus and delivers to students living within 30 miles who may need help.

CLC aims to be a community-oriented college, contributing beyond its campus. Heppner drove CLC’s refrigerated van to the Lakes Area Food Shelf, where volunteers welcomed over 581 pounds of food. The food shelf, operating three days a week, serves many families each day and has seen increasing numbers in recent months.

Executive Director Tammy Larsen noted the importance of partnerships, stating, “We greatly appreciate these donations; they help us continue our work here.” Volunteers gather food from local businesses, including larger grocery chains and smaller markets, and collaborate with Second Harvest North Central Food Bank for additional supplies. Any surplus food is directed to community resources like day shelters and food pantries.

Starting soon, CLC will hire a basic needs coordinator funded through a grant aimed at rescuing at least 100,000 pounds of food from waste each year. “We live in a nation with plenty,” Heppner remarked. “There’s no reason for anyone to go hungry. It just takes the right people and community effort to address food insecurity.”