Area Food Shelf of NR kicks off March campaign Sunday at Trinity Lutheran
By JIM LUTGENS
Editor/Publisher
Looking for something to do the afternoon of Sunday, March 8? Look no further.
The Area Food Shelf of New Richland is hosting its 4th Annual “Groove 4 Food” at 1:30 at Trinity Lutheran Church.
The event kicks off March Food Share Month for the food shelf and features local humorist Al Batt serving as master of ceremonies, musical acts performing throughout the afternoon, and a live auction. It’s the biggest fundraiser of the year for the local food shelf, according to food shelf board member Sharon Eckart.
“‘Groove 4 Food’ means exactly what is meant to be,” said Eckart. “We have local entertainment that sing and play instruments for food or money. The food shelf board has had so much fun planning this event. We start months ahead to think of themes and entertainers. The community has backed this since we started. Everyone in the community has been so great and very generous.”
Musical acts scheduled this year include Melissa Williams, Just Friends, Josh Gegel, The Rice Girls, Jessica Nafe, and NRHEG High School Band Director Sam Boerboom.In 2012, the first year for “Groove 4 Food,” a total of $2,455 and 384 pounds of good were raised. In 2013, it was $4,247.50 and 118 pounds. Last year, there was $2,590 and 88 pounds of food collected. In all, the NRAFS served 864 families in 2014.
Admission to “Groove 4 Food” is free, but everyone is encouraged to bring non-perishable food donations or cash to help the food shelf.
For more than 30 years, Minnesota FoodShare has been partnering with local food shelves to help those in need. The Minnesota March Campaign raises more than half of the food distributed by the 300-plus food shelves across the state. The theme for 2015 is “Fight Hunger.”
Minnesota Community Emergency Service served more than 70,000 client visits last year, giving over half a million pounds of food. But, the need continues. Hunger is hidden: seniors quietly skip meals so that they can buy life-sustaining medications, parents quietly skip meals so their children can eat, and hungry children struggle in school. One in 10 Minnesotans, more than 500,000 residents, experience food insecurities on a regular basis.
In last year's March campaign, 19,946 pounds of food and hygiene items were collected and $81,869 was raised statewide. This year the goal is to collect 25,000 pounds of food and hygiene items and raise $100,000 throughout the state.
The March theme locally is “Cooking Up A Food Shelf.”
The live auction items for the “Groove 4 Food” event haven’t been announced yet, but there is sure to be something for everyone to bid on.
“What I would like to share is how it makes us feel when we share what God gives us,” said Eckart. “There is nothing better than knowing you are helping a child grow with the right food, or that someone does not need to cut their medication in half because they don’t have enough money and otherwise can’t afford to buy food. This program is so important to our community. Please support the food shelf.”
Starting March 1, the NRAFS is again visiting area churches doing their skit for bringing awareness of the need.