By Deb Kroon
Staff Writer
Manna Food Pantry, Inc. began their annual “Minnesota Food Share” March campaign on Thursday, March 1, 2018. “This is our major fundraiser of the year,” Linda Sanchez, Coordinator of Manna Food Pantry told me. Manna Food Pantry, Inc is located at the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Worthington. “We have new clients coming in all the time,” said Linda. “There is definitely an on going need for support here in Nobles County. How can we be hungry in southwest Minnesota? People just don’t realize the need that is there every day.”
The Food Pantry accepts donations in several forms. They accept products, such as canned or boxed food, staples supplies, fresh produce in the growing season and of course monetary donations. “During our campaign,” Linda explained, “we will get 3% matching funds amount for the products received from the Greater MN Council of Churches. This is very helpful, because with our resources, we can take $10 received from matching funds like these and purchase $100 worth of products.”
This is the reason the second part of this fund raising campaign is so important. The Worthington Regional Health Care Foundation will match dollar for dollar up to $30,000.00 that is raised during March. “This includes both monetary and product poundage combined,” Linda explained. This grant is given in three year increments. I’ve been here for five years now and only one year we didn’t have this grant. What a major difference this makes.” She went on, “We apply each year and I have to go before the WRHCF board each year. We were fortunate to be awarded last year and this year and hopefully (but not guaranteed) next year. It is totally a board decision.
“We buy as much as we can locally- I am a firm believer in supporting our local businesses. I closely watch the ads and when we can get something cheaper, we go into the store and order by the case. The stores like to see us come in!” She explained further, “A majority of our products come from Second Harvest Heartland out of the Twin Cities. Things cost nickels and dimes. That is hard to beat. This is why monetary donations are so beneficial. We are able to purchase so much more than the individual can.”
I asked about fresh produce-is that locally purchased? Linda said that in the winter she gets most of it from Second Harvest Heartland, but when our local season starts, she gets everything locally. A lot of fresh produce is donated, not only from local family growers, but she has three larger growers that donate to the Pantry; Haberman Produce from Brewster, Grampa’s Fun Farm from Round Lake and Brandt Gardens and Greenhouse out of Lakefield. The fresh produce is plentiful and greatly appreciated by her clients.
We talked a little more about the grant of matching funds from WRHCF. Linda said, “In 2017, our fundraising goal was set at $85,000, both monetary and products combined. We exceeded our goal. This year for 2018 we have set the gaol for $95,000. You need to dream big right?”
In 2017, Manna Food Pantry was of service to 635 households in Nobles County, serving 15,392 individuals, giving out 272,505 pounds of food. With the need continually on the rise, your help is needed. If you would like to donate and have your dollars matched, please make out your checks to WRHCF with “Manna” written on the memo line. Checks and/or products can be taken to Manna Food Pantry, 230 Clary Street in Worthington (Westminster Presbyterian Church). Let’s help eliminate hunger in Nobles County by supporting the March Food Campaign.
