If you are only going to give to a food shelf once a year, March is the month to do it. That is because all donations are increased through the Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign.

Locally, Churches United in Ministry (CHUM) is collecting both monetary and food donations to stock the shelves at two of downtown Duluth’s largest food shelves, located at 120 N. First Ave. W. and 4831 W. Grand Ave.

CHUM is a faith-based organization of 39 congregations working together to deliver social programs beyond the scope of government to the community. The goal of CHUM is to open doors for people who have been shut out by circumstance.

Last year, nearly 40 percent of CHUM’s annual operating budget came from donations made in March through the Minnesota FoodShare Campaign. Those donations resulted in nearly 23,000 pounds of food distributed to 11,135 people in the Duluth area.

According to Minnesota FoodShare, there is a constant need for donations. In 2007 there were 1.9 million food shelf visits in Minnesota.

To meet this demand, monetary donations are needed to stock food shelves throughout the year. Although non-perishable foods are never denied, CHUM has he ability to get more bang from the buck than the average consumer.

By going through the Northern Lakes Food Bank, CHUM can purchase food for 4 cents per pound throughout the year.

But, even at these rates, there still is a shortage.

According to CHUM, due to changes in the stock market and the growing need for assistance, CHUM anticipates a deficit for the fiscal year 2008.

This makes March donations critical for filling Duluth’s food shelves.

The Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign and national Feinstein Foundation add to donations made throughout March, making each donation more valuable. This is a fact that translates into more food in the stomachs of hungry families.

The local efforts of CHUM have not gone unnoticed.

This year CHUM received the Hunger Solutions Minnesota’s Ribbon Food Shelf Initiative Seal, an award given out for excellence in service to the community.

Hunger Facts

• More than 990,000 Minnesotans live in households struggling to put food on the table.

• Less then 50 percent of CHUM Food Shelf visitors are families with children.

• Approximately 20 percent of CHUM Emergency Food Shelf visitors are employed.

• Hunger hurts every day: Of those who use Minnesota food shelves, 47 percent of adults skip meals to stretch their budgets — and 14 percent of children do the same.

• In 2007, there were close to 2 million food shelf visits statewide, and food shelf usage continues to climb. During the last year alone, 47 million pounds of food were distributed to Minnesota families.

• Five percent of CHUM Emergency Food Shelf visitors are seniors.

NEWS TO USE
Contributions in the form of cash (preferred) or food can be made at participating churches.

If you would like to give directly, cash or food can be sent or dropped off at CHUM’s Emergency Food Shelf, 120 N. First Ave. W., Duluth, MN 55802. For further inquiries call 720-6521.