June 16: Free Food Distribution for Persons in Need

A free food distribution for those in need of food or newly struggling to make ends meet due to the COVID-19 crisis is being held Tuesday, June 16 from 10 am to 12:30 pm at the K Lot across from the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center on the campus of St. Cloud State University. Cars should enter from 16th Street South. The event is hosted by Catholic Charities Emergency Services, a program of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud, with food provided from Second Harvest Heartland and the COVID Food Assistance Program (CFAP).

CFAP is an assistance program for farmers, ranchers and other food producers managed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The program provides vital assistance to producers of agricultural commodities and channels food to food banks, community, tribal and faith-based organizations, and other nonprofits serving Americans in need.

“This is a resource for the whole community and especially for those needing a little extra help right now,” said Sue Hanks, Catholic Charities Emergency Services program manager. “If you are one of the many experiencing unexpected hardship due to the coronavirus crisis you are most welcome to participate in this program and learn more about other food resources available for people in the St. Cloud area,” she said.

Pre-packed boxes of produce, dairy and meat will be distributed safely through a drive-up/curbside pick-up model. Food will be loaded into trunks by volunteers who will maintain social distance. No registration or paperwork is necessary and only basic demographic information will be asked of participants such as the ages of individuals in each household. No names, addresses or other identifying information will be asked.