Last month (June 2016) you might have noticed the addition of a gleaming new refrigerator and freezer for Our Daily Bread Food Shelf in the Shepherd Room. It is very noticeable if you’re walking by outside the Great Hall or Music Room. These big new appliances were purchased thanks to monetary donations made to the Food Shelf—thank you to everyone who made this possible!
The bigger story is the food inside our three fridges and three freezers on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Thanks to a new partnership with Cub Foods in Rosemount, we are now able to provide our clients with healthier food options including more fresh produce and meat, and dairy items. We have been receiving between 400-800 pounds each week from Cub free of charge!
The biggest story is what is yet to come. Renovations began in July to spilt the Shepherd Roominto two spaces. The Food Shelf will now have a dedicated space with a permanent room set-up. The remaining space will continue to house the Church Library, and be a waiting space for food shelf clients, and may also be scheduled for meeting space during non-food shelf hours.
Renovations will enable the Food Shelf to switch to what is known as a “Choice Model.” Currently, volunteers pre-select many of the items for our clients to take home. The new set up will allow clients to browse and shop for the food of their choosing, similar to a grocery store. The Choice Model will allow us the ability to offer healthier foods, helps our dollars go further, and creates less food waste. More info to come about the Choice Model once renovations are complete!
Please continue to show your support through donations of non-perishable items and monetary gifts (type “food shelf” in the misc. benev. line) Volunteers are also needed in many ways on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm or 2:00 – 6:00 pm: filling orders, stocking shelves, working with our clients, and picking up food at 9:00 am from the Rosemount Cub and Kwik Trip. For more details, contact Lisa at (952) 985-7329 or lisa.hegerman@sotv.org.
Thank you for your generous support!