Summer Food Shelf Challenge

July 3, 2024

CATHOLIC CHARITIES AND OPEN YOUR HEART TO THE HUNGRY AND HOMELESS ANNOUNCE FOOD SHELF CHALLENGE GRANT THROUGHOUT JULY

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud and Open Your Heart to the Hungry and Homeless announce a food shelf challenge grant, benefiting Catholic Charities Emergency Services Food Shelf, throughout the month of July.


In partnership with Hunger Solutions, now a part of The Food Group, Open Your Heart’s Summer Challenge makes it possible for Minnesota food shelves to restock and distribute fresh and frozen foods during this difficult time of year.


 Open Your Heart to the Hungry and Homeless will proportionally match donations to Catholic Charities Food Shelf during the month of July, up to $4,000, to help end food insecurity in the St. Cloud area. The more funds raised in July towards the food shelf, the larger the matching grant from Open Your Heart to the Hungry and Homeless will be. Donations to Catholic Charities Food Shelf can be made online!


“In a normal summer, we see an increase in children visiting during the summer,” said Eric Vollen, Catholic Charities Emergency Services program manager. “When school is out for summer vacation, many children miss out on free school meals and families turn to us for support. We are seeing an increase of food-insecure people here in the St. Cloud area, and the summer challenge comes at a time when our food shelf needs help the most.”


In 2023, Minnesotans made a record 7,551,147 visits to their food shelves statewide – up nearly 2 million visits from the year prior. Last July alone, Catholic Charities Food Shelf served 4,909 people and distributed over 180,000 pounds of food.

Our Recent News

Alexander & Sherise

April 23, 2025
A Journey of Hope and Resilience

Bryce's Pumpkins

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.

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