FOOD SHELF BEGINS MARCH CAMPAIGN TO RE-STOCK SHELVES
March 1, 2018
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Trina Dietz
Communications Coordinator
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud
320.650.1644
trina.dietz@ccstcloud.org
Catholic Charities Emergency Services Food Shelf begins March Campaign to re-stock shelves
Make your donation online now
Catholic Charities Emergency Services Food Shelf has a long name, for a good reason.
- If you have to choose between feeding your family or buying medicine for a sick child, it’s an emergency.
- If you have to choose between putting gas in your car, or food in your kids’ tummies, it’s an emergency.
- If you have to choose between eating breakfast or dinner, so your kids can have three meals in a day, it’s an emergency.
MARCH CAMPAIGN
Most food shelves receive a huge influx of food and other resources during November and December, but by March, supplies begin to dwindle.
More than 30 years ago, Minnesota FoodShare, an interfaith collaboration, began an annual March Campaign to re-stock state food shelves. The group gathers incentive funds from large Minnesota corporations such as Target, General Mills and Land O Lakes, to challenge local food shelves like Catholic Charities Emergency Services to raise as much food and funds as they can locally.
“The more food and funds we can secure locally, the more of those incentive funds will come back to help hungry people in the St. Cloud area,” said Pareja. “When you consider that our buying power allows Catholic Charities to use just $10 to purchase $30 worth of groceries, every dollar is significant.”
Statewide, food shelves have a friendly competition to see who can bring in the most food and funds. Pareja said Catholic Charities came in fourth in last year’s competition, and the organization would love to move up in this year’s standings.
PACK THE PORCHES
The Pack the Porches event on Friday, March 23 helps Catholic Charities in their efforts to replenish the Emergency Services Food Shelf. This community-wide food drive will have three locations, all accepting non-perishable food items and cash to aid those who use Catholic Charities Emergency Services Food Shelf.
Donations will be accepted from 7 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Friday, on March 23 at three locations:
- Pioneer Place on Fifth Theatre, 22 5th Ave S, St Cloud
- St. Cloud Hyundai, 900 2nd St S, Waite Park
- Health Partners Central Minnesota Clinic, 2251 Connecticut Ave S, Sartell
DONATIONS ACCEPTED
In addition to the March Campaign and Pack the Porches event, Catholic Charities Emergency Services accepts donations year-round, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 157 Roosevelt Road. Monetary donations can also be made online at CCStCloud.org.
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St. Cloud Catholic Charities is a non-profit organization that prides itself in serving the central Minnesota area. Catholic Charities is passionate about building communities, helping families, and by providing quality services that enhance human dignity.
Our Recent News
Catholic Charities is expanding its ability to serve older adults across Wright County with the addition of a new hot/cold delivery truck, made possible through funding from the Central Minnesota Council on Aging (CMCOA) and generous community support. The investment will help strengthen and grow Meals on Wheels and Senior Dining services, ensuring nutritious meals reach more seniors safely and efficiently. As the demand for nutritious meal services continues to rise, reliable transportation plays a critical role in connecting older adults with the food they depend on every day. The new truck improves the delivery process by transporting meals from Catholic Charities' production kitchens to community meal sites and home-delivered meal routes throughout the region. Designed with separate heated and refrigerated compartments, the vehicle allows staff to transport hot, fresh meals and frozen meals at the same time while maintaining strict food safety standards. The truck's specialized design ensures meals arrive at the proper temperature, preserving both quality and safety for those receiving them. The vehicle can carry hundreds of meals daily, significantly increasing delivery capacity and operational efficiency. Before the addition of the truck, meals were transported using insulated hot and cold bags, requiring additional handling and limiting the number of meals that could be delivered on each route. Today, hot meals leave the kitchen at approximately 180 degrees and maintain safe temperatures throughout transport, arriving at the recommended serving temperature of 165 degrees. Frozen and refrigerated meals are delivered below 40 degrees, allowing recipients to safely store them upon arrival. The impact extends beyond meal quality. Staff and volunteers now spend less time loading, unloading, and managing insulated bags, allowing them to focus more on serving clients and ensuring deliveries are completed safely and on time. Meals are delivery-ready when the truck arrives at outreach locations, creating a more streamlined process that benefits everyone involved. "Food access for rural seniors continues to be a growing concern," said Stacy Lund, Program Director. "The truck will provide opportunities for Catholic Charities to continue service in our rural communities as operational funding and resources become more limited while community need continues to increase." More than just a vehicle, the new hot/cold truck represents an investment in the future of Meals on Wheels and Senior Dining services. It provides the infrastructure needed to meet growing demand, expand service opportunities, and support older adults who rely on these programs to remain healthy, independent, and connected to their communities. In a fitting tribute, staff have named the truck Grace in honor of Sister Grace, a beloved former employee whose legacy of service continues to inspire the organization's mission today. Like its namesake, Grace will help deliver not only nutritious meals, but also the caring connections that make a meaningful difference in the lives of older adults across Central Minnesota. About Meals on Wheels and Senior Dining Catholic Charities' Meals on Wheels and Senior Dining programs provide nutritious meals and meaningful social connections for older adults throughout Central Minnesota. Through home-delivered and congregate meal services, the programs help individuals maintain their independence, improve food security, and remain connected to their communities. The addition of Grace ensures Catholic Charities can continue advancing that mission for years to come.
If you've spent time with Brian Woods, you've probably heard a great story.
At Catholic Charities, we are blessed to witness moments that reveal the true spirit of community. During a recent visit to our St. Cloud Senior Dining program, our team saw one of those moments firsthand. Grandpa Ray and his grandson, Noah, were preparing to deliver meals—a routine that has become a treasured family tradition. Ray often brings all three of his grandsons, turning service into something that strengthens their bond while uplifting others. Our Senior Dining Coordinator, Kim, shared that Ray and his grandkids have become a bright spot for many of the neighbors we serve. For those receiving meals, it’s not just about nutrition. It’s the warmth of a familiar smile, the energy of young people at the door, and the reminder that they are seen and cared for. This simple act of delivering meals shows the power of serving together—building community, connection, and hope one doorstep at a time. We depend on volunteers like Ray—and like you—to bring compassion to our neighbors. If you feel called to serve, explore our volunteer opportunities, including meal delivery and family volunteering. Your kindness could be the moment someone looks forward to each day. Make an impact and volunteer with us!
