Announcing the 10th Annual Pack the Porches Food Drive

February 28, 2020

Benefiting Catholic Charities Emergency Services Food Shelf and in Partnership with the Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign

Did you know that more than 3 million visits are made per year to Minnesota food shelves, and that 45 percent of Minnesotans on the SNAP program (“food stamps”) are children?

This March, as part of the Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign, Catholic Charities will hold its 10th annual Pack the Porches food drive, benefitting Catholic Charities Emergency Services Food Shelf.

On Friday, March 20, from 7 am to 1 pm, Catholic Charites Food Shelf will accept donations of nonperishable food items and funds at three drop-off locations: Pioneer Place on Fifth, 22 5th Ave S, Saint Cloud; HealthPartners, 2251 Connecticut Ave S, Sartell; and St. Cloud Hyundai, 900 2nd St S, Waite Park.

March is typically a challenging month for Minnesota food shelves, and as summer approaches and school lunches are no longer available for the 45 percent of SNAP participants who are children, donations become even more important.

Join Catholic Charities to end Minnesota hunger and increase awareness of food insecurity within the St. Cloud area. Coborn’s will match up to 10,000 pounds of food donations, and donors on the day of Pack the Porches will receive a free cup of coffee with each food or cash donation at their drop-off location. Monetary donations are also accepted at all three locations and at ccstcloud.org.

Many businesses and schools across the St. Cloud area are also holding a Pack the Porches food drive in March, leading up to March 20, when they’ll be delivering their collected food items and funds to one of the drop-off locations. For more information on becoming a participating partner, contact Eric Vollen, marketing and public relations manager, Catholic Charities, at 320-650-1641 or eric.vollen@ccstcloud.org.

Can’t make it to Pack the Porches? The Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign continues through April 12. Bring nonperishable items to Catholic Charities Food Shelf, 157 Roosevelt Rd, St. Cloud, and donate funds in person or online. Visit ccstcloud.org/minnesota-foodshareto learn more.

About Minnesota FoodShare

Minnesota FoodShare is an interfaith organization aiming to fight food insecurity and raise awareness of it among Minnesota communities. The Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign is the largest annual grassroots food and fund drive in the state, and helps to stock nearly 300 food shelves statewide. During the 2019 March Campaign, more than 8 million dollars and over 5.1 million pounds of food shelf items were raised by Minnesota food shelves and Minnesota FoodShare. To date, Minnesota FoodShare has distributed over 17.8 million dollars to March Campaign participating food shelves via the Minnesota FoodShare FoodFund. 100 percent of donations received by Minnesota FoodShare during the March Campaign go into the FoodFund and are distributed to March Campaign participating food shelves.

About Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud is a nonprofit organization that works to build communities, promote family life and enhance human dignity by providing quality services to meet the physical, social, emotional and spiritual needs of individuals and families of all faiths and beliefs.

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At Catholic Charities Emergency Services, we see countless acts of kindness every day, but a recent donation from a remarkable young man left a special mark on our hearts. On a chilly Friday afternoon, Bryce, a 17-year-old student at Albany High School, donated an impressive 860 pounds of squash. This generous gift highlights the power of community support, proving that even in challenging times, there is always hope. Bryce has grown his own pumpkins, squash, and gourds under the name Bryce Pumpkin’s, which has become known for fresh, locally grown produce. His efforts extend beyond growing, as he sells his harvest at farmers markets and even had a booth at the Made in Minnesota Expo in November, supporting local businesses and sustainable farming. What makes his story even more inspiring is how Bryce uses his success to give back. His donation will directly help families in need through our food shelf, which serves St. Cloud and surrounding areas. Bryce’s squash donation will be a vital part of our monthly food distribution, helping to provide nutritious meals to hundreds of families in our community. His gesture demonstrates not only a heart full of compassion but also the interconnectedness of local farmers, businesses, and families. When young people like Bryce step up, it’s a reminder that the future is well cared for. Bryce’s story proves that even small acts of kindness can grow into something truly transformative. Through donations like Bryce’s, we are able to provide food to those who need it most, including seniors on fixed incomes and single parents working multiple jobs. The connection between local farmers and organizations like Catholic Charities sustains our community and fosters hope for those struggling. Looking ahead to the upcoming growing season, we’re excited to see what other generous community members, like Bryce, will share. His efforts remind us that every small contribution adds up to something much bigger, and it’s not just about the food—we’re also strengthening our community and inspiring hope for all.

Pack the Porches 2025!

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PACK THE PORCHES FOOD AND FUND DRIVE RECEIVED OVER 6,000 POUNDS OF FOOD AND MORE THAN $21,000