HSM Emergency Grant Makes An Impact

Over the past two years, a food shelf in St. Paul lost two major funding sources while the requests for services in the community increased by over 15%. The costs of running the community food shelf had increased as well, leading them to operate in a deficit and reduce services to their community.

In July of 2007, the leader of this food shelf was concerned that the food shelf may not be able to remain open so she came to Hunger Solutions Minnesota and asked for an emergency grant.

In reviewing their emergency grant application, it was noted that they were actively seeking a number of other grants that would provide a long-term solution to their financial situation. They had managed to secure funding from three new partners, and had a number of other grant proposals pending. If awarded these other grants, it would allow them to move forward in providing quality service to their community.

HSM approved this food shelf’s request for $3,000 to provide a short-term bridge towards fulfilling a long-term, positive role in their community.

If your food shelf is struggling financially or you’re finding it difficult to the meet the need in your community, we strongly encourage you to apply for an HSM emergency grant. If you are looking to replace a broken or old piece of equipment, please consider applying for an HSM equipment grant. Funds are currently available for residential freezers or refrigerators, scales or metal shelving. HSM also has a limited amount in funding for an Education/Training fund. These scholarships are for HSM member food shelf directors who want to attend training sessions but do not have the resources to do so.

Please contact Jim Redmond for more information on available HSM grants.