Open Your Heart to the Hungry and Homeless Summer Challenge

July 1, 2025

Summer should be a time of fun and freedom — but for many families in Central Minnesota, it’s a time of deep uncertainty. Without school meal programs and with rising grocery prices, far too many of our neighbors are struggling to put food on the table.

That’s why we’re excited to announce that Catholic Charities Emergency Services Food Shelf is once again participating in the Open Your Heart to the Hungry and Homeless Summer Challenge — and we need your help! What Is the Summer Challenge?

Every July, food shelves across Minnesota take part in the Open Your Heart Summer Challenge — a statewide fundraising effort where donations are matched through grant funding. That means every dollar you give to our food shelf during the month of July helps us qualify for a matching grant of up to $4,000.

It’s a powerful way to double your impact and ensure we can continue meeting the growing need in our community.

The Need Has Never Been Greater

Food insecurity remains heartbreakingly common in our state. According to a 2024 statewide hunger study, 1 in 5 households in Minnesota are food insecure. Here at Catholic Charities, we’ve seen that need firsthand. Our food shelf has seen a dramatic rise in the number of shoppers — including many families who have never needed help before. The cost of food is higher than ever, and families are forced to make tough decisions between buying groceries and paying for rent, gas, or medications.

What We’re Doing

At Catholic Charities Emergency Services Food Shelf, we offer more than just food — we offer choice, dignity, and hope. Our shoppers are able to select the food that fits their family’s dietary, cultural, and health needs. We provide a respectful, welcoming experience and access to nutritious foods, including fresh produce, meat, and dairy. In 2024, we distributed over 2.7 million pounds of food through our food shelf, mobile outreach, and emergency food bag programs — but we can’t do it alone.

How You Can Help

This July, your support means more than ever. Every donation made to our food shelf during the Summer Challenge will be matched through the Open Your Heart Summer Challenge, stretching your gift further to help feed families in Central Minnesota.

➡️ Donate Today: Click here to give now

Thank you for being part of this mission of compassion and community.

Want to learn more about our Food Shelf and other food programs?

Visit ccstcloud.org/food-services

To learn more about the statewide Summer Challenge, visit oyh.org/summer-challenge

Our Recent News

More than Just a Meal

By Brittany Hoversten • December 9, 2025
Our Senior Dining programs offer more than just a meal – they provide a nurturing environment that fosters friendships, healing, and a sense of belonging. Roberta, a Senior Dining Coordinator for 15 years, has witnessed the powerful impact of our services at the Grasston and Mora locations. Among the many events that have touched her heart, one couple’s journey stands out as a beautiful testament to the healing power of community. A woman who had recently suffered a stroke, faced significant challenges. Most of her right side, including her vision, was affected, and she was determined to regain her independence. After her therapy sessions, she and her husband would come to Senior Dining, where they found not only a meal but a circle of support and care. Every visit, a group of women diners would greet them with warm smiles, helping with her jacket and guiding the couple to their table. These kind-hearted women went beyond mere kindness – they helped the woman with her meal and made sure she was comfortable and well-cared for throughout the dining experience. Over time, the woman’s strength and independence began to improve. The therapy sessions, combined with the unwavering support of her new friends at Senior Dining, made a significant difference in her recovery. The bonds formed in that dining hall grew stronger, evolving into genuine friendships that transcended just shared meals. What had started as a place for nourishment soon became a sanctuary of laughter, conversation, and companionship. It was clear that the true nourishment was not just the food – it was the emotional and social support the diners received, creating an atmosphere that was as healing as it was comforting. The couple still maintains their deep friendships with the group of women they met at Senior Dining. Even in their 80s and 90s, they continue to get together three or four times a year, reminiscing about the meals that sustained them, the friendships that uplifted them, and the kindness that made all the difference. For Roberta, this story is a reminder of the true essence of her work. It’s not just about coordinating meals – it’s about creating a community where people care for one another, lifting each other up in times of need. 

Catholic Charities Barnes & Noble Bookfair – December 12, 2025

By Brittany Hoversten • December 8, 2025
Get your holiday shopping done while supporting a great cause! Catholic Charities is partnering with Barnes & Noble in St. Cloud for a Bookfair on Thursday, December 12, 2025 . A percentage of your purchase will benefit Catholic Charities’ programs—just mention you're shopping to support Catholic Charities at checkout! Shop in-store or online: In-store: Visit Barnes & Noble in St. Cloud on December 12 and let the cashier know you're supporting Catholic Charities. Online: Shop at https://www.bn.com/bookfairs from December 12–16, 2025 and enter Bookfair ID 12695763 at checkout. How to apply the Bookfair ID online: Add items to your cart and proceed to checkout. Scroll to the bottom of the checkout page. Click the plus sign next to “Add Bookfair ID.” Enter 12695763 and click Apply . Everything counts! Books, DVDs, music, vinyl, toys & games, and even Café purchases (except Starbucks-operated locations). Stock up for the holidays and help support Catholic Charities’ vital services in our community. Note: Gift cards, memberships, textbooks, video games, digital content (eBooks), and purchases at Starbucks-owned Cafés are excluded from Bookfair totals. Institutional discounts may not be applied.

A Family's Fight to Stay Home

By Brittany Hoversten • November 12, 2025
Allie and Ben’s dream of owning their first home came under threat when Ben unexpectedly lost his job. With two young children at home, Allie balanced evening classes while Ben had a steady income. However, when Ben lost his job, he struggled to make mortgage payments and, feeling overwhelmed, kept the issue hidden from Allie until it was too late. The arrival of a “sheriff sale” notice signaled their impending foreclosure. Determined to protect their home and their family, Allie turned to Catholic Charities’ Financial and Housing Counseling team for help. With guidance from a counselor, Allie learned about the foreclosure process and the potential solutions available to them. Together, they worked closely with the mortgage company, exploring options to address the overdue payments. After persistent efforts, Allie and Ben were able to negotiate a resolution that would prevent foreclosure. Thanks to the support they received, Allie and Ben were able to keep their home, which not only brought them financial stability but also strengthened their bond as a couple. Allie reflected on the importance of teamwork and open communication, acknowledging the valuable lesson they learned through the experience. “I’m so grateful for the support we received,” Allie said. “It taught us that facing challenges together is key to protecting what matters most—our home and our children.” Catholic Charities’ Financial and Housing Counseling program, which has been providing expert guidance since 1982, is available to anyone, regardless of income. As a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-licensed provider, our team is committed to helping families like Allie and Ben navigate financial challenges and build a secure future.