HSM Agency Highlight August 2009
Falls Hunger Coalition
Nancy Anderson, Executive Director
International Falls, Minnesota
HSM Blue Ribbon Food Shelf
History:
In April of 1988, an anti-hunger workshop was held in International Falls and was facilitated by Jim Dwyer of the Duluth Hunger Coalition. Several people attending the workshop wanted to do more to meet the needs of the hungry in Koochiching county. This thoughtful group of people came together and wrote the grants necessary to start the Falls Hunger Coalition’s food shelf.
- 1988 – Falls Hunger Coalition is incorporated as a not-for-profit business
- 1989 – federal tax-exempt status is granted and Lorrene Loken is hired as Executive Director. Space for the food shelf is rented at the ‘old’ Falls High School.
- 1990 – Mickey Novotny takes on the role of Executive Director
- 1994 – Falls Hunger Coalition moves to the renovated Forestland Building where county offices are also located.
- 2003 – Mickey retires and Nancy Anderson becomes Executive Director
- 2007 – Additional space is rented in the Forestland building to accommodate the ‘client choice’ model of food delivery to clients
- 2009 – Falls Hunger Coalition, Inc. continues to grow and change with the times thanks to the dedication of past and present leaders and volunteers.
Mission:
“To eliminate hunger in Koochiching County.”
Operational Goals:
- Provide food to hungry individuals and families in Koochiching County
- Maintain an environment of respect and confidentiality between clients, staff, volunteers and donors
- Provide education and/or services which extend beyond immediate hunger relief
- Where there is a need that lies outside of Falls Hunger Coalition’s scope of service, assist clients in finding additional social services (i.e., Food Support program).
- Continue to improve all aspects of food shelf operation.
‘Food For Thought’
Falls Hunger Coalition (FHC) publishes a quarterly newsletter titled ‘Food For Thought’ and approximately 800 newsletters are sent to donors and prospective donors. FHC is always looking for additional ways to add to their mailing list and reach more people, businesses, and organizations. Currenty, they only distribute printed copies but are anxious to develop an e-newsletter in the near future.
Nancy Anderson, Falls Hunger Coalition Exective Director says, “History shows a very positive response to our newsletter. It usually generates a few phone calls – both for support and usage. Also, I receive an occasional public speaking request.” Nancy reports that “providing information and resources via our newsletter keeps us in the public eye.”
There are several reasons why Falls Hunger Coalition feels the newsletter is important. First, it allows them to publicly thank each donor during the quarter. Secondly, they use the newsletter to keep the community informed about hunger locally as well as state and national hunger issues. Nancy and her board believe that by providing current, accurate information about what’s happening regarding hunger in their community, donors will be encouraged to continue their support. Or, a piece of information written in the newsletter might be just what someone needs to make a donation to the food shelf for the first time.
Usually included in the quartlerly “Food For Thought” newsletter are photos of happenings at the food shelf, announcements of major donations, events, a list of current food shelf needs, etc. Additional information for newsletter articles and updates comes from many sources including newspaper articles, community announcements, and other organizations like Hunger Solutions Minnesota’s member e-newsletter and legislative updates.
If you are interested in receiving ‘Food for Thought’, please contact Nancy at fallshungercoalition@gmail.com or call 218-283-8020.
Hunger Solutions Minnesota officially recognizes Falls Hunger Coalition for outstanding service to their community. Congratulations!
Please note: this month’s HSM Board Member Highlight is Nancy Anderson. Click here to read more about Nancy.