Third-annual ‘2 Million Pounds’ food drive runs March 1-31
The Salvation Army is fighting to gather food donations like never before – and we need your help.
Our third-annual 2 Million Pounds Food Drive will be held March 1–31. It’s perhaps the most important food drive we’ve ever launched, as everyday families struggle to afford food prices that have surged more than 11 percent – the highest rate since 1979.
Just as troubling: Many Minnesotans are in danger of falling off a “hunger cliff” in March, when food-stamp benefits will be slashed in 32 states across the country.
With your help, The Salvation Army can help cushion the fall. In Minnesota we operate 22 food pantries and 13 hot meal programs, which together provide millions of meals for people and families struggling to afford food.
“Raising 2 million pounds of food and cash equivalent will help replenish our food supplies, which are strained by increased demand and skyrocketing food prices,” said Terry Hildebrandt, Social Services Director for The Salvation Army Northern Division. “We are hoping for a groundswell of community support. Families everywhere need our help.”
Your support will help people like Gene, 69, who eats a hot meal at The Salvation Army in Fergus Falls several days a week. For 32 years he worked locally as a farmhand and newspaper deliveryman. About five years ago, he was forced to retire when his kidneys failed. With his physical and financial health in jeopardy, his dietician recommended he go to The Salvation Army for a balanced meal.
“I’ve been coming here ever since,” Gene said. “It’s home cooking and the people are like family. I feel good now because I’m eating good.”
Get Involved
Please help The Salvation Army raise 2 million pounds of food by donating nonperishables, hosting a food drive, giving a cash donation, or volunteering.
Donate food: In the Twin Cities, drop off nonperishable foods March 1-31 at Cub grocery stores, Morrie’s auto dealers, Slumberland Furniture, Schuler Shoes, SPIRE Credit Union, or Salvation Army Store locations. View a map of drop-off locations.
In greater Minnesota, drop off nonperishable foods at your local Salvation Army Worship & Service Center anytime in March.
(High-demand foods include pasta, rice, and peanut butter, plus canned items such as fruit, veggies, and soup.)
Have your gift matched online: Help us feed hungry families by donating online. Your donation will be matched, up to $10,000. That means a gift of just $25 will become $50 – enough to buy up to 280 pounds of food for Salvation Army food pantries.
Host a food drive: Collect nonperishable foods from friends, neighbors, coworkers, church members, and others. We will send you a Food Drive Starter Kit that includes tips and promotional materials for your website or social media. When you’ve finished your collection, bring your food to The Salvation Army’s headquarters (pictured) in Roseville, 2445 Prior Ave. N., on Saturday, April 1 for a special drive-thru weigh-in event. (Read about successful grassroots food drives from previous years.)
Buy a Star Tribune newspaper on Sunday, March 12: Inside the newspaper you’ll find a brown paper bag. Fill the bag with nonperishable foods and bring it to a participating drop-off location, or donate money by scanning the QR code on the bag.
Volunteer: Do you have time to spare? Support our food drive by helping us unload delivery vehicles, weigh food, stock shelves, and more. Sign up to volunteer now.
