Channel One Regional Food Bank

It’s time once again to Fight Hunger. Spark Change. with #ChannelOneMN and Walmart and Sam's Club ?? Donations and roundups at the register in-store and on Walmart.com – plus the purchase of select products from participating suppliers – means more food and resources for people facing hunger. All donations stay right here in our community. #fighthungersparkchange Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gx-pf6nn

#ChannelOneMN Food Shelf is once again participating in GMCC’s Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign through April 6. Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign, the largest grassroots food and fund drive in the state, brings together organizations, businesses, faith communities, and people to help support the capacity of nearly 300 food shelves. As the cost of living continues to rise, more families are struggling to afford basic needs, making food assistance more important than ever. In a recent statewide survey, we have discovered that one in five Minnesotans can’t afford the food they need. On average, over 400 households a month in 2024 signed up for the very first time to visit our food shelf, a 40% increase over 2023. In Olmsted County, more than 12,900 people face food insecurity, 4,800 of whom are children. With food insecurity at an all-time high, the Channel One Food Shelf in Rochester is supporting a record number of households, with about 10,000 visits every month and over 115,000 visits total in 2024. To put that into perspective, that means about 55 households shop every hour the food shelf is open. These total household visits are an increase of 40% from 2023. Join in the Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign by making a gift to Channel One online at https://lnkd.in/gUmikHD6 or sending a check to Channel One Regional Food Bank, 131 35th Street SE, Rochester, MN 55904. Channel One’s fundraising success during this campaign influences the award amount received by GMCC. The Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign runs through April 6, which is the final date that donations to Channel One Food Shelf will qualify for the Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign.

#ChannelOneMN has an opening for a warehouse associate. Find the full job description and details on how to apply at https://lnkd.in/gjdjktfE. #FightHunger

George relies on the Channel One Food Shelf to help support his family. He worked in catering and first learned about #ChannelOneMN when the company he worked for donated extra food. But five years ago, his life changed when he suffered a serious back injury. Two herniated discs and a tear in his spine left him unable to work. Although he applied for disability, his claim was denied. Now, George’s family of six lives on just his wife’s paycheck. To help make ends meet, they have been coming to Channel One for the past four years. “We use this like our grocery shopping,” George says. “It takes a lot off my wife. We really use everything we can. It really helps.” When he visits Channel One, he sees many others who, like him, are facing difficult times. “I see all the people who come through here, everyone is here for different reasons,” he says. But despite the challenges, George is thankful. “This is a blessing for us,” he adds. Thanks to Channel One, George and his family can stretch their budget and have food on the table every week. Visit HelpingFeedPeople.org to learn how you can help neighbors like George facing food insecurity.

Fun fact: In a recent survey, almost half of people said volunteering lowers their stress levels! It's amazing how giving back can boost your mood and help you feel more connected. Whether you're sorting food, packing boxes, or helping out in the food shelf, volunteering with #ChannelOneMN makes every bit of difference to those facing food insecurity. If you're looking for a way to give back (and reduce stress), Channel One is always in need of volunteers! Help make a difference today by learning more and signing up to volunteer at https://lnkd.in/g-xbT-xB.

Yesterday, 39,247 pounds of food arrived, thanks to a generous donation from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Minnesota. This donation will provide 25,200 meals to people and families facing food insecurity across southeast Minnesota. That’s enough to feed over 500 families for a week. ??

Testimonial Tuesday: Peggy is a 74-year-old woman who lives in a small town outside Albert Lea. She has been receiving CSFP senior box of groceries since October 2022 and picks up her box at the local food shelf. “I am so grateful for this extra box of groceries (CSFP). Recently, I have been very sick to the point I couldn't drive or get out of the house. I have been sick for seven years. I really wanted milk, and I was out. Then I remembered that Channel One gives you cartons of milk in the boxes. I was very happy to have milk and not having to leave the house or look for someone to bring it to me.”

Meet Jackie, a Channel One volunteer who has been giving her time for the past three years! Originally from Wisconsin, Jackie moved to Rochester 45 years ago for a position at Mayo Clinic, where she worked as a registered dietitian nutritionist for 41 years before retiring three years ago. Since retiring, Jackie has found new purpose through volunteering at Channel One, something she says can be lost after retirement. “I have always been very blessed, and when I count my blessings, I include Channel One. Volunteering is a way for me to give back,” she shares. With decades of experience as a nutritionist, Jackie understands how important good nutrition is, especially for children and older adults. She appreciates that Channel One provides food from all the main food groups to help people who need it. Even though Jackie and her family have never needed the food shelf, she encourages others to use the resources Channel One offers. Besides the meaningful work, Jackie enjoys the sense of community she gets from volunteering. “It’s a great way to interact with the staff, other volunteers, and the people facing food insecurity we serve,” she says. We are thankful for Jackie’s kindness and the care she brings to her work at Channel One! To volunteer like Jackie, visit https://lnkd.in/g-xbT-xB

As Channel One Regional Food Bank continues to face the growing need for food support for our neighbors facing food insecurity, we invite the community to consider sponsoring Epicure, a vital part of our fundraiser that invests directly in the health and stability of our region. Your contribution helps us provide food and resources to families in need, ensuring no one goes hungry. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/gVCFzxcj.