Catholic Charities Food Rescue

September 11, 2023

CATHOLIC CHARITIES FOOD SHELF HELPS PEOPLE AND THE PLANET THROUGH FOOD RESCUE

Every day, vast quantities of food go to waste because grocery stores, food producers and even farmers have no other options. When packaged goods, dairy, produce and meats near the end of their “best by” dates, retailers, growers and food manufacturers are looking for an alternative to landfills.

 

With its Food Rescue program, Catholic Charities Emergency Service Food Shelf teams up with local food sources to divert safe, edible food from landfills and distributes it to households experiencing food insecurity.

 

“Food rescue does just what the name suggests: saves fresh and edible food from going to landfills,” said Eric Vollen, Catholic Charities Emergency Services program manager. “There are many reasons why food might not have sold at a business, including close-dated product, dents in the cans or overstock, and although it might not be perfect food, it’s good and nutritious food.”


According to Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization, 119 billion pounds of food is wasted in the United States each year, which equates to 130 billion meals and more than $408 billion. Nearly 40 percent of all food in the United States is wasted, contributing heavily to carbon emissions which hurt our environment. Food waste is also a missed opportunity for the hunger relief network as this fresh and edible food could be helping feed families. 


This is why Food Rescue business partners in the St. Cloud area, including Coborn’s, Cash Wise, Costco, Sam’s Club, Fresh Thyme and more are so important—all are participating in retail food rescue, collecting thousands of pounds of produce, dairy, deli, meat, bakery and grocery items for distributing to Catholic Charities Food Shelf.


Coborn’s grocery stores have been participating in retail food rescue for more than 15 years, with all 66 Coborn’s stores across North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan participating and providing food to those who need it in their communities.


“Our Food Rescue partnerships with foodservice retailers like Coborn’s allow us to gain access to unsold, yet wholesome food that would otherwise be wasted,” said Vollen.

“Plus, food rescues from grocery stores, restaurants and farms that donate to Catholic Charities Food Shelf and other nonprofit food rescue organizations can get a tax deduction for their donation. It’s a nice incentive for those businesses not to toss that food in the trash.”


MPCA and Local St. Cloud Companies Also Help Prevent Wasted Food


When food spoils or is thrown away before we eat it, the resources that went into creating the food are wasted. The food takes up space in landfills and releases greenhouse gases as it decomposes, rather than nourishing people or helping alleviate food insecurity.


The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is committed to ensuring that every Minnesotan has healthy air, sustainable lands, clean water and a better climate, and in 2019, launched the “Prevention of Wasted Food and Food Rescue” grants program. The program, approved by the Legislature in 2019, is specifically designed to fund projects that help feed hungry people and help organizations minimize their wasted food.


In 2022, Catholic Charities Food Shelf collected 1,026,276 pounds of food through its Food Rescue program and was awarded the MPCA’s “Prevention of Wasted Food and Food Rescue” grant for help in building a new walk-in freezer.


A new walk-in freezer was a critical need, as Catholic Charities Food Shelf has seen a 120 percent increase in the number of pounds of food rescue collected annually. The food shelf needed an increase in storage capacity, or it would need to continue to outsource freezer space and turn away food rescue collections.


The new walk-in freezer addition was completed by local businesses SCR (St. Cloud Refrigeration) and Rice Companies, Sauk Rapids, who both contributed significantly to the project, bringing it to life.


“This additional 400-square feet of freezer space helps us in feeding our community and ending food insecurity,” said Vollen. “With the generous help and support of our state and community, we can continue serving healthy and nutritious food to our neighbors who need it most.”


The benefits of food rescue are many. It helps both food shelves and families save money, offering no-cost nutritional food while helping tackle food insecurities. Food rescue also prevents thousands of pounds of edible food from ending up in landfills, where it could create environmental pollutants as it decays.

Our Recent News

Raphael’s Story at the Whitney Center

By Brittany Hoversten • September 16, 2025
Our team is deeply committed to providing a welcoming and supportive community for our seniors, and the journey of one special individual exemplifies this mission. Raphael's story began two years ago when he discovered our Senior Dining services at the Whitney Center, thanks to a recommendation from a friend. From the moment he walked through our doors, he found more than just a place to eat — he found a home. Raphael quickly became a cherished member of our Senior Dining community. He was drawn to the warm, inviting atmosphere and the delicious meals prepared by our dedicated Food Coordinator. Raphael often shared how much he appreciated the quality of the meals, a sentiment that echoed throughout his time with us. Beyond the food, it was the kindness and professionalism of our volunteers and staff that left a lasting impression on Raphael. “Such beautiful people,” he often said when talking about his experience with us. It was this sense of belonging that inspired Raphael to give back, and with the help of our Senior Dining Coordinator, he was able to become a valued volunteer. Whether helping in the dining room or assisting behind the scenes, Raphael’s contributions were always appreciated. However, life’s changes sometimes bring new challenges. Recently, Raphael’s schedule shifted, making it harder for him to visit us regularly. Yet, our Senior Dining Coordinator remained committed to ensuring he still received the meals he relied on. Despite Raphael not being initially eligible for Meals on Wheels, our team worked diligently to secure county approval, so he could continue to benefit from this essential service. For Raphael, this thoughtful care reinforced his belief that he is "blessed" to have access to our services. What stands out most for Raphael, however, is the personal touch he receives from our staff and volunteers. “Being greeted by name,” he says, “makes all the difference. It shows that you are valued and appreciated.” These small but meaningful gestures help to foster a strong sense of community and are what make the Whitney Center such a special place. A Call for Volunteers At Catholic Charities, we know that the warmth of our community would not be possible without the support of our dedicated volunteers. We are always in need of individuals willing to make a difference in the lives of seniors in our community. If you’re looking for a way to give back, we have opportunities in several areas: Delivering Meals on Wheels Preparing food in our kitchens Setting up dining sites for meals Serving meals to seniors Cleaning up after meals Assisting with clerical tasks These opportunities may vary by location, so please reach out to your local Catholic Charities Senior Dining Site Coordinator to learn more and sign up to volunteer. By offering your time and talents, you can help ensure that more seniors like Raphael continue to experience the sense of community and care that makes our Senior Dining services so meaningful. Thank you for being a part of the Catholic Charities family and for helping us make a difference every day.

Introducing Porch

By Jenna Pettit • August 14, 2025
The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

Gordon's Story

By Jenna Pettit • August 14, 2025
We are always honored to serve seniors like Gordon, whose story reminds us of the profound impact our Senior Dining program has on the lives of individuals in our community. Gordon, a widower of 58 years, currently lives with his son, but he continues to make the five-mile drive to the Senior Dining congregate site in Maple Lake every weekday. For Gordon, this is more than just a meal, it’s a chance to connect, stay healthy, and maintain his independence. "I can’t cook, and often I’m left eating Cheerios and coffee at night," Gordon shared. That’s where the Senior Dining program becomes so vital for him. The nutritious meals provided at Catholic Charities help him maintain a balanced diet and ensure he’s getting the nutrients he needs. While Gordon says, “You can’t please everyone all the time,” he enjoys the meals offered and values the healthy options available to him. But it’s not just about the food for Gordon. It’s the sense of community he experiences each day when he visits the Maple Lake site. Gordon enjoys visiting the other diners and the staff, who he calls "perfect" and insists they "do their jobs well." He appreciates the laughter, the warm welcome, and the connection with others that make each visit special. Catholic Charities Senior Dining Program serves seniors aged 60 and over, offering nutritious meals that help them stay healthy and independent. Whether it’s through congregate dining sites, or Meals on Wheels services, we are committed to providing seniors with the support they need to lead a healthy, independent life. Gordon is one of many seniors who rely on this program, and his continued dedication to attending every weekday demonstrates the importance of these services in maintaining his health and quality of life. He says he plans to keep coming as long as he’s able—a sentiment that reflects the value that Senior Dining brings to seniors in our community. We’re grateful for Gordon’s participation in our Senior Dining program and for the positive impact it has on his well-being. For Gordon and many others, it’s not just about the food, it’s about the connections, the care, and the opportunity to stay independent and healthy.