Challenge Yourself to End Hunger 

June 20, 2019

Accept the 2019 Food Shelf Challenge from Open Your Heart to the Hungry and Homeless and Catholic Charities Emergency Services Food Shelf this July.

You can make a difference for hungry families in our community.

Minnesota summers were made for trips to the cabin, boat rides on the lake, and farmers market outings, not food shelf visits. But that’s the reality for thousands of Minnesotans. Children are home from school and the family budget is tight. The Emergency Services Food Shelf helps provide nutritious fruits and vegetables to these families and needs your help this summer.

We see an increase in child visits during the summer. When school is out for summer vacation, many children miss out on free school meals and their families turn to us for support.

Make a bigger impact on hunger in our community this July

Every day, Minnesotans make over 9,000 visits to food shelves statewide – that is six visits to a food shelf every minute. Last July, the Emergency Services Food Shelf had 6,499 visitors and distributed 172,168 pounds of food.

You can make a difference this year by donating throughout the month of July. The more you donate, the larger our food shelf’s grant from Open Your Heart to the Hungry and Homeless will be. The challenge funds will proportionally match your donation. Your financial donation will go further due to our buying power. We can purchase food from our food bank for pennies on the pound.


Our Recent News

April 23, 2025
A Journey of Hope and Resilience
By Brittany Hoversten April 14, 2025
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.
March 28, 2025
PACK THE PORCHES FOOD AND FUND DRIVE RECEIVED OVER 6,000 POUNDS OF FOOD AND MORE THAN $21,000