Perham Enterprise Bulletin

Heading into what is traditionally the busy season, food shelf director Connie Warner is concerned about a depleted food supply and money running dangerously low.

Warner says she likes to see the food shelf’s check book carry a balance of around $4,000 to $5,000. Right now, it’s hovering around $2,000 with bills to pay.

Warner is asking for help from the community and encourages people to donate food and money to the food shelf. This time of year churches, school classrooms, and other organizations generally run food drives, which will help stock the shelves, but cash donations are needed to help pay operational costs.

In 2007, the food shelf took in just under $16,000 from various grants, donations and special events like the CROP Walk. Expenditures in 2007 totaled about $14,500.

The biggest expenditure is food purchases. Last year, the food shelf purchased $5,664 worth of food from the Food Bank; and $6,339 of other food purchases. Monthly bills include heat, electricity, and insurance.

The families served in 2008 hasn’t changed over 2007. Through October last year the food shelf served 401 families. And in the same time period this year (Jan.-Oct.) 400 families have been served.

In 2007, the food shelf served a total of 500 families – 841 adults and 488 children. Total pounds of food distributed was 36,603.

The community is encouraged to donate both food and funds to the NY Mills Area Food Shelf. To do so, contact Connie Warner at Otter Tail-Wadena Community Action Council, 385-2900.

Food Support benefits

New York Mills area residents who may qualify for food support benefits are encouraged to contact United Way at 2-1-1 or Otter Tail-Wadena Community Action at 385-2900 for more information.

Among qualification requirements are income guidlines. Is your monthly income below the income amounts listed?

Monthly income before taxes, $1,127 (1 person); $1,517 (2 people); $1,907 (3 people); $2,297 (4 people); $2,687 (5 people).