OPEN YOUR HEART TO THE HUNGRY

July 16, 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 and Open Your Heart to the Hungry and Homeless Announce Annual Food Shelf Challenge Grant

Catholic Charities Emergency Services and Open Your Heart to the Hungry and Homeless announce the Eighth Annual Food Shelf Challenge Grant. Open Your Heart to the Hungry and Homeless will proportionally match donations to Emergency Services during the month of July, up to $4,000. The more funds Catholic Charities raises in July for Emergency Services, the larger the matching grant from Open Your Heart to the Hungry and Homeless will be.

Donations can be made at www.Ccstcloud.org , click on “donate.”

Gifts will be matched by the grant, and then will be magnified with Catholic Charities food buying power. A $10 gift usually buys $30 worth of groceries, but because of the match, donations are stretched even further.

Minnesota summers were made for trips to the cabin, boat rides on the lake, and farmers market outings, not food shelf visits. But that is the reality for thousands of Minnesotans. Children are home from school and the family budget is tight. Catholic Charities Emergency Services helps provide nutritious fruits and vegetables to these families and needs your help this summer. Donations given in July will be proportionally matched by Open Your Heart to the Hungry and Homeless to help end hunger in the St. Cloud area.

Food shelves in Minnesota help individuals, families, and seniors get the nutritious food they need but cannot afford to purchase on their own. Summer is especially stressful for both families with children and the food shelves that serve them. When kids are home for the summer, they are missing out on school meals and food shelves help fill that gap.

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Catholic Charities is a nonprofit organization that advances the charitable and social mission of the Diocese of St. Cloud. It builds communities, promotes family life, and enhances human dignity by providing quality services to meet the physical, social, emotional and spiritual needs of individuals and families of all faiths and beliefs.

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