Grygla/Gatzke Food Shelf Annual Report for 2020

We currently have 28 family units registered but we have served an average of 15 households a month. There are 13 ages 1-17, 43 ages 18-64 and 7 over age 65. During the year, we purchased 7,711 pounds of food through the North Country Food Bank and additional food was purchased locally as needed (plus another 1,121 pounds of food was donated) and we distributed 7,682 pounds. In addition, 17 food baskets were distributed for Easter (376 pounds), 15 food baskets for Thanksgiving (420 pounds), and 22 Christmas food baskets (617 pounds).

This has been an interesting year for the Food Shelf because of Covid-19. We changed our method of providing food from having our clients come in and select their food items from the shelves to having them fill out a “grocery list” and we pull and box the items for them. Our regular client numbers have been down. We’re not sure if this is due to Covid-19 and clients staying home more or the change in food selection (Although we try to fill the items on their grocery list and they can actually receive more food that when pounds per family limited them. This was considered important as families had their children home more due the schools closing early and the uncertainty of being affected by Covid-19). At the same time we were signing up new clients all summer. We also have been participating in the Covid Food Assistance Program (CFAP) where boxes of food (dairy, protein and produce) were given out in the community. Since June, 1,742 boxes of food have been distributed. A grant from the Roseau Electric Corporation Operation Round-Up and a donation from the Soybean Growers Assn. helped cover the cost of freight.

This year we had planned on replacing our freezers and fridge with new energy-saving appliances. All appliances were donated many years ago and need updating. This was especially evident after we lost power after a thunderstorm and a freezer and the refrigerator did not restart and we lost food. We have purchased a new chest freezer, but unfortunately, also due to Covid, we are finding it hard to get the appliances we want, as many items are on backorder.

Covid interrupted our annual fundraiser in March, but financial contributions helped immensely. We would like to recognize the tremendous support we have received from the community, area churches, businesses, organizations, the school and the many individuals who have given food and monetary donations. We will continue to apply to Marshall and Beltrami County, Roseau Electric’s Operation Round-up and LRO-EFSP for grants to help us meet our needs.This year we also received a Covid Grant from the state and a credit at the North Country Food Bank. We received hams for Thanksgiving/Christmas through a Thrivent match, thanks to Val Aune, and turkeys donated by Polaris, Inc. We also received food donations from Walmart in Thief River Falls, and donations from local gardeners.

Last year, I mentioned that Juanita Watne had taken a step down, but she is still helping with paperwork. It also means we need another Co-Director to take her place. So far, no one has stepped up, so I have been assisting Joni. But because of health reasons, I was not always available to do so. We really need someone to fill this position. Also, we can always use additional volunteers on the day the Food Shelf is open. It’s just 2 ½ hours on a Saturday once a month and you are not committed for every month. Just would be nice to have a few more names to call on if need be.

Thank you to our volunteers and the school for allowing students to assist us unloading the delivery truck and stocking the shelves. Thanks to the rest of our board members for their great ideas and keeping us on track. And most importantly thank you to Grace Lutheran Church for your support.

We are now looking forward to a better year for all in 2021.

Lastly, financial records show that we took in $18,150.00 in contributions from area churches, individuals and organizations, and from grants received. We spent $14,258.66 with over $9,500.00 of that for food. The rest was for rent, a new freezer, dues, postage and supplies.