15th annual Open Your Heart summer challenge
Wed, 06/19/2024 - 10:38am
admin
The Clearwater County Food Shelf is part of the 15th annual Open Your Heart Summer Challenge grant. This grant opportunity provides participating food shelves in Minnesota with a matched grant proportional to the food shelves' fundraising activities throughout the month of July.
The persistent economic difficulties brought on by the pandemic and rising inflation have led to a continued dependence on food shelves for many. In 2023, the need for resources from food shelves surged significantly as further aid programs came to an end and food costs climbed. Consequently, food shelves are increasingly counting on the assistance from organizations like Open Your Heart to aid individuals facing hunger challenges. This funding helps raise awareness of hunger and helps food shelves raise additional funding during slower summer months when donations are down.
The food insecurity in our community continues to grow. Comparing January - May of 2023 with January - May of 2024, the Clearwater County Food Shelf has experienced an increase of 17% in the number of families that have visited the food shelf. Consequently, we have distributed 57,131 pounds of food (compared to 44,016 pounds) during the same period in 2023. Members of our community continue to need assistance to meet their nutritional needs.
This Challenge Grant presents a matching fund opportunity for food shelves, allowing them to maximize their local fundraising efforts in July. The distribution of funds from this grant is based on the total funds raised by each participating food shelf in July and the number of food shelves involved, with grants ranging from a minimum of $150 to a maximum of $4,000.
Said Jessica Mathias, Executive Director at Open Your Heart for the Hungry and Homeless, "Many of the most impactful initiatives aiding Minnesotans facing food scarcity are carried out by modest, volunteer-driven organizations that lack a dedicated fundraising team or a broad base of donors. With the Open Your Heart Summer Challenge, we aspire to unite the community in bolstering our neighborhood food pantries, enabling them to replenish and provide fresh and frozen provisions during this challenging season."
The Clearwater County Food Shelf is open every Wednesday from 10 am – 2pm. Located in the basement of the American Legion in Bagley, donations of food or money can be dropped off during those hours. Monetary donations can also be mailed to: Clearwater County Food Shelf PO Box 578 Bagley, MN 56621. Let’s maximize this grant opportunity by supporting our local food shelf during the month of July!