Pack the Porches 2025!

March 28, 2025

PACK THE PORCHES FOOD AND FUND DRIVE RECEIVED OVER

6,000 POUNDS OF FOOD AND MORE THAN $21,000

Our 15th Annual Pack the Porches Food and Fund Drive, held on March 28th, 2025, was a HUGE success! Thanks to the incredible support of our community, we made a significant impact on fighting hunger in the St. Cloud area.


Event Highlights:

  • Food Collected: A remarkable 6,437 pounds of nonperishable food items were collected!
  • Total Dollar Amount Raised: A total of $21,291 was raised to help our neighbors gain food security!
  • Generous Match: Coborn’s matched all food and fund donations up to $15,000!


By donating to Catholic Charities your contributions not only stayed local but also counted towards a statewide effort to stock the shelves of every food shelf in Minnesota. The more we raised locally, the greater our share of the statewide campaign, helping us reach even more individuals and families in need.


Several businesses across the St. Cloud area also hosted Pack the Porches food and fund drives, leading up to today’s event, with some continuing throughout the Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign, which ends April 6.


We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated, donated, and supported this year's Pack the Porches event. Special thanks to our drop-off location partners: Pioneer Place on Fifth, St. Cloud Financial Credit Union, and St. Cloud Hyundai. We also deeply appreciate Coborn’s for their generous match, which significantly boosted our fundraising efforts.


Even though Pack the Porches has concluded, the Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign continues until April 6th. You can still bring nonperishable items to Catholic Charities Food Shelf and donate funds in person or online.


Thank you to all those who supported Pack the Porches food and fund drive and Catholic Charities Emergency Services Food Shelf!


Our Recent News

By Jenna Pettit August 14, 2025
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By Jenna Pettit August 14, 2025
We are always honored to serve seniors like Gordon, whose story reminds us of the profound impact our Senior Dining program has on the lives of individuals in our community. Gordon, a widower of 58 years, currently lives with his son, but he continues to make the five-mile drive to the Senior Dining congregate site in Maple Lake every weekday. For Gordon, this is more than just a meal, it’s a chance to connect, stay healthy, and maintain his independence. "I can’t cook, and often I’m left eating Cheerios and coffee at night," Gordon shared. That’s where the Senior Dining program becomes so vital for him. The nutritious meals provided at Catholic Charities help him maintain a balanced diet and ensure he’s getting the nutrients he needs. While Gordon says, “You can’t please everyone all the time,” he enjoys the meals offered and values the healthy options available to him. But it’s not just about the food for Gordon. It’s the sense of community he experiences each day when he visits the Maple Lake site. Gordon enjoys visiting the other diners and the staff, who he calls "perfect" and insists they "do their jobs well." He appreciates the laughter, the warm welcome, and the connection with others that make each visit special. Catholic Charities Senior Dining Program serves seniors aged 60 and over, offering nutritious meals that help them stay healthy and independent. Whether it’s through congregate dining sites, or Meals on Wheels services, we are committed to providing seniors with the support they need to lead a healthy, independent life. Gordon is one of many seniors who rely on this program, and his continued dedication to attending every weekday demonstrates the importance of these services in maintaining his health and quality of life. He says he plans to keep coming as long as he’s able—a sentiment that reflects the value that Senior Dining brings to seniors in our community. We’re grateful for Gordon’s participation in our Senior Dining program and for the positive impact it has on his well-being. For Gordon and many others, it’s not just about the food, it’s about the connections, the care, and the opportunity to stay independent and healthy.
By Jenna Pettit August 14, 2025
If your garden is overflowing this summer, you’re not alone—and that’s a good thing. Whether it’s tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, or beans, your extra produce can do more than fill your pantry. It can help feed families right here in our community. Catholic Charities of St. Cloud is hosting a Grow & Give donation event, running now through October 2025. The idea is simple: if you’re growing a garden, consider growing a little extra—or sharing what you won’t use—and donate it to Catholic Charities Food Shelf. Fresh fruits and vegetables are always in high demand, and your homegrown produce can make a real difference for neighbors facing food insecurity. How to Donate 📍 Drop-off Location: Catholic Charities Food Shelf 157 Roosevelt Road, Suite 100, St. Cloud, MN (Use Door D) 🕘 Donation Hours: Monday through Thursday: 9 am to 3 pm Friday: 9 am to 12 pm 🔔 Please ring the buzzer at Door D during donation hours. Staff or volunteers will meet you at the door to accept your donation. For food safety, donations must be handed directly to staff—please do not leave produce unattended or drop off outside posted hours.