(KNSI) — The St. Joseph Community Food Shelf is launching its annual “Christmas in July” food drive to address the surge in demand during summer months.
According to a press release, the festive name for the drive comes from the recognition that many people think about donating around the holidays but forget that there is also a growing need in the summer months. It’s also to serve as a reminder that hunger doesn’t take a holiday and families need support year round, not just during traditional giving seasons.
According to Hunger Solutions Minnesota, Minnesotans made nearly nine million visits to food shelves in 2024, a record high for the fourth consecutive year. This is 1.4 million more visits than in 2023.
Food shelf president Julie E. Gravgaard explains that families face particular hardships when children are home from school with limited access to regular meals, yet donations typically decline during summer. “Summer can be especially tough for families,” Gravgaard notes. “While we see a higher need for assistance, our donations tend to decrease during the summer months.”
Donations of nonperishable food items can be made at the pantry, located at 18 Birch Street East in St. Joe. Monetary donations can be made only at this location or via U.S. Mail. The address is PO Box 121, St. Joseph, MN 56374.
Food contributions can also be dropped off at Ace Hardware, Cash Wise in Waite Park on Wednesdays and Thursdays only, Coborn’s, Magnifi Financial, Dollar General, KPower Yoga in Sartell and St. Joseph, Krewe Restaurant, Minnesota Street Market, St. Joseph Catholic Church, The House, and Trobec’s Bus Service.
___
Copyright 2025 Leighton Media. All rights reserved. This material may not be broadcast, published, redistributed, or rewritten, in any way without consent.