Channel One Regional Food Bank

Food brings us together, especially during the holidays. This season, let’s make the holidays full and ensure everyone in our 14-county region in southeast Minnesota and western Wisconsin can bring meals home. Join #ChannelOneMN in the movement to end hunger at HelpingFeedPeople.org. #FightHunger Feeding America

The following heartfelt testimonials from both staff and clients underscore the profound impact that Kitchen Coalition prepared meals from Charlie's Eatery & Pub have on victims of domestic violence staying at the Women's Shelter and Support Center in Rochester. These meals are a vital part of fostering a safe, welcoming environment for those rebuilding their lives. "We extend our deepest gratitude to each restaurant that dedicates time and care to prepare the Kitchen Coalition meals that are delivered to our emergency shelter each week. For survivors going through one of the most challenging periods of their lives, the comfort of a hot meal provides not only nourishment but also a profound sense of warmth and care. These meals go far beyond sustenance; they remind survivors they are not alone and that their community stands behind them. Thank you for making a difference in each meal you prepare." "I am happy that food is available at the shelter for me and my kids to eat. When I got to the shelter, I had no income so I could not buy things at the time. All our meals are provided, and it makes me feel good to know that I don’t have to worry about feeding my family while I am staying here." "When I came to the shelter, I was happy to be safe and have food to eat. I wasn’t sure how things worked there but once I got there and I found out that I did not have to worry about food, I was thankful. It’s hard dealing with domestic violence, so not having to worry about how I will eat is a good thing." Learn more about #ChannelOneMN's Kitchen Coalition program at https://lnkd.in/gDmZZPEj

Thank you, thank you, thank you! For coming together virtually in support of #ChannelOneMN, its agencies, and programs during #GivetotheMax! More than $27,800 (or enough to provide 69,545 meals for neighbors experiencing food insecurity) was raised through #GTMD24! HelpingFeedPeople.org GiveMN

Give to the Max Day is here, and it couldn't have come at a better time. Hunger is at an all-time high in our community: We see around 30,000 household visits a month in our service area, with 10,000 of those being at our onsite food shelf. But together, we can provide a solution. Channel One offers a wide range of grocery items for any neighbors who need a helping hand. To provide that helping hand, we need your support. Our goal for Give to the Max is $30,000 to ensure everyone who comes through our doors is fed. We believe everyone, regardless of their situation, should have the dignity to choose their own food and have access to fresh, nutritious food. People like Sara. Stay-at-home-mom Sara walks through the doors of Channel One Food Shelf, a familiar routine for the past two years. Growing up in Rochester, she never imagined she would rely on a local food shelf. But falling on hard times has made this her reality. Today, she is shopping for her dad as well as for herself and her family. With his job’s demanding hours, he couldn’t make it to the food shelf himself. Pushing her cart, she comments, “It’s nice to be able to get the milk and meat, that I can find what I need here.” As she moves through the food shelf, she notes she is grateful there are more than just the staples. “There are good fresh fruits and vegetables that you don’t always see at food shelves.” Just two years ago, Sara was a first-time shopper at Channel One. She understands the feeling of being out of place. However, she says it doesn’t have to be an intimidating, embarrassing experience. “Just come in. There’s no shame in it. If you need help, ask for it,” she says as advice for new shoppers needing food assistance. This Give to the Max Day, we—and the people facing food insecurity in our community like Sara—need your support. With your donation by midnight, we can make sure the needs of our neighbors are met and ensure they have access to the food they need to live happy and healthy lives. Now is the time to help. Join Channel One Regional Food Bank, a member of Feeding America, as we help provide our neighbors facing food insecurity with hope. Give a gift today for Give to the Max Day at https://lnkd.in/gVABEj55. #GTMD24 #GiveToTheMaxDay GiveMN

After 14 years of enduring the Arizona heat, Ed and his wife made the decision to return to Rochester. The couple now resides in a low-income housing complex and found themselves relying on Channel One for food assistance. “When we settled in less than a year ago, we quickly realized managing our expenses was going to be tough,” Ed explains. “That’s when we started getting help from Channel One.” Channel One’s monthly mobile pantry distributions are essential to Ed, his wife, and many other residents. The fact that Channel One brings food directly to their building has been a relief and one less thing to think about. “The cost of food nowadays is so high, and having it brought right to us means we don’t have to figure out how to get to the main location. It’s a big help for us and for everyone else in the building,” Ed says. Ed is particularly appreciative of the quality and variety of the food provided. “The variety is really good,” he notes. “Most of the food is focused on healthy eating, and that’s important to us. The hamburger, especially, is excellent and comes in very handy.” To help Channel One continue to support neighbors like Ed, please give a gift during #GTMD24 at https://lnkd.in/ghFQDYQx

Are you ready to make a real difference in our community? Channel One Regional Food Bank is looking for passionate, dedicated people to join our team! Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, if you're driven by the desire to fight food insecurity and create positive change, we want to hear from YOU! Turn your passion into action. Apply today and help us strengthen food access and build healthy communities! ?? Learn more at https://lnkd.in/gjdjktfE #JoinOurTeam #ChannelOneMN #FightHunger

When we talked with John, he was celebrating his 78th birthday at home. John and his wife have lived in their current apartment for 12 years and have been recipients of the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) boxes for nearly two decades. They first signed up when they were in their early 60s, and the program has become a crucial part of their lives. “It helps us financially,” John says. “The food we get from CSFP supplements our budget, which makes a big difference.” The monthly CSFP boxes come with a variety of foods, some of which are staples, while others might be new. And John is grateful for the selection. “The variety of food is good,” he shares. “If there’s something in the box we don’t particularly like, we bring it down to our building’s food cupboard. It’s a chance for someone else to enjoy what we might not want.” That act of sharing goes beyond food. “When someone new moves in to our building, we make sure to let them know about Channel One and the CSFP program. It’s important for them to know about these resources. We’ve seen how much they can help, and we want others to benefit from them too,” John says. Whether it’s sharing food itself or about CSFP program with new neighbors, a sense of community—one that helps each other out—is the best gift anyone can receive. To help Channel One continue to support neighbors like John, please give a gift during #GTMD24 at https://lnkd.in/ghFQDYQx

Channel One volunteers Larry and Joyce often come in together to help serve those facing food insecurity. Joyce, a retired family and consumer science teacher, has been volunteering here for over 20 years. She remembered her first days with a group of high school students, guiding them through community service projects. One incident stands out. “I had a student who was absolutely horrified at the thought of bagging asparagus,” she recalled, chuckling. “I told him, ‘You don’t have to eat it; you just have to package it!’ But as luck would have it, the bin tipped over, and he was covered head to toe in asparagus. For years afterward, I would tease him whenever I saw him, asking if he had any asparagus lately. He would groan, ‘Don’t remind me!’” Both Larry and Joyce joined their church group in volunteering two hours a month since 2003. Larry joined the ranks of Channel One individual volunteers in February 2009. Though they approach their work from different tasks—Joyce still engages in retail rescue sorting while Larry finds joy in the food shelf—they both share the same mission: to make a difference for those facing food insecurity in their community. “Together, we’ve clocked over 9,500 hours,” Larry said. “The need is great, and I know we make a difference.” Their commitment to service stemmed from their mothers, who each modeled the spirit of volunteering. “We always try to help out wherever we can, whenever we can,” Joyce explained. This belief of giving back is something Joyce and Larry hope to pass down, as well. Last Christmas, they brought with them their granddaughter from South Dakota to volunteer. “She just loved it! She turned to us and said, ‘I wanna come every month and help!’” Joyce remembered. As Larry and Joyce continue to serve, their story reminds us all of the profound difference a few dedicated hours can make in a community and to themselves! https://lnkd.in/g-xbT-xB

As we approach the annual statewide giving event Give to the Max Day November 21, we want to highlight the urgent need for food assistance in our community and how you can make a difference. This year, Channel One Regional Food Bank is facing unprecedented demand, and your support is more critical than ever. The statistics speak for themselves: in the first three quarters of 2024, our region has experienced a staggering 35% increase in monthly household visits to food assistance programs—over 285,750 visits compared to 211,785 in the same period last year. This increase reflects the ongoing challenges many families face, as the need for support continues to grow. Our onsite food shelf is also seeing many new faces, including those who have never needed assistance before. We welcomed 3,190 new shoppers in just the first nine months of this year, marking a 52% increase from 2023. Compared to 2022, this is a 74% increase, highlighting the urgent need for food assistance in our community. We invite you to join us on Give to the Max Day by donating to Channel One Regional Food Bank. Early giving is now available. Help give back to families in need this holiday season by donating at https://lnkd.in/gVABEj55 #GTMD24 #GivetotheMaxDay #ChannelOneMN #FightHunger GiveMN

That's a (mummy) wrap on the 2024 Boyer Halloween season! Thanks to everyone who attended this incredible annual display and your generosity to raise a record amount ($7,000), bringing the to-date total raised for #ChannelOneMN to more than $23,000! #FightHunger