Welcome to the Food Shelf
The Morrison County Food Shelf is a ministry of God's people for God's people. In response to Christ's command to "love our neighbor," the Food Shelf exists to provide emergency and supplemental food to people who lack sufficient resources to feed themselves. The Food Shelf also seeks to provide referral and educational information to its clients and patrons. Hours of Operation: Tuesday 10am - 12 noon Wednesday 10am - 12 noon Thursday 6pm - 8pm In 2017, the average number of clients served per month was 979, or 225 clients per week. With the help of many volunteers and donations, over 383,000 pounds of food were distributed in 2017 by the Morrison County Food Shelf. There are more than 300 food shelves in Minnesota, serving every county in the state. |
![]() FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – CONTACT: Natalie Keane, (320) 412-3081, [email protected]
MORRISON COUNTY FOOD SHELF HOSTS MEET AND GREET AT SPROUT TO RAISE FUNDS FOR FOOD ACCESS MISSION LITTLE FALLS, Minn. – August 27, 2018 – Morrison County Food Shelf will host a “Party with a Purpose” event on Tuesday, September 18 at Sprout (609 13th Ave NE, Door 8, Little Falls, MN 55345). The party will raise funds for the the food shelf’s mission to end hunger in Morrison County. The Morrison County Food Shelf exists to provide emergency and supplemental food to people who lack sufficient resources to feed themselves. The public is invited to attend the event to meet the food shelf Board and volunteers and learn about their work, including testimonials from those who have been assisted by the food shelf. The Morrison County Food Shelf (MCFS) is one organization that many in the community rally around, whether it is by donating food or cash donations, volunteering time, or receiving the services themselves. The food shelf was originally established from the faith community and was a ministry of the Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls. Today, the community carries out that vision, working toward a Morrison County where all people have access to good food. “There are a lot of families in Morrison County that just cannot stretch their dollars to the end of the month.” says Board President Kate Bjorge. “The people who use our food shelf are so very grateful, especially for the variety of items we stock. They also want to give back.” The Party with a Purpose model serves to create a social setting where the public can offer their support to organizations whose work they value. The event for the food shelf on Tuesday, September 18, 6pm-6pm will be held at Sprout (609 13th Ave NE, Door 8, Little Falls, MN 55345). Tickets are $10 per person and include appetizers, wine and beverages. While the Morrison County Food Shelf accepts donations in the form of food, dollars, and volunteer time, due to a partnership with Second Harvest Heartland, a Minnesota food bank, cash donations can double the amount of food the food shelf is able to purchase. All proceeds from the Party with a Purpose event will benefit the Morrison County Food Shelf. Tickets can be reserved and purchased on Eventbrite.com or Facebook.com. Community members can also reserve tickets by calling (320) 412-3081 or emailing [email protected] and then pay at the door. This particular event will feature Spanish wines and appetizers, also known as “tapas.” “The food shelf is just one piece of the food access puzzle, and right now there’s a lot of opportunity for collaboration, whether it’s Fare for All, Ruby’s Pantry, Share A Meal, or Sprout,” says Kate Bjorge. “We hope community members will attend this event and be inspired by the stories of their neighbors to continue to support these initiatives.” The Morrison County Food Shelf is located at 912 1st Avenue SW, Little Falls, Minnesota and it’s open hours are Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10am - 12pm and Thursdays from 6pm - 8pm. The food shelf is currently recruiting volunteers to serve, especially those with skills and expertise in electric, plumbing, and building repairs. The food shelf is also hiring for a paid position to clean up to four hours per week. To learn more about these opportunities contact Director Carol Schirmers-Johnson at 320-632-8304. BACKGROUND The Parties with a Purpose activities are funded through a grant awarded to Region Five Development Commission by ArtPlace America’s National Creative Placemaking Fund. The ArtPlace funds are providing the Sprout Growers & Makers Marketplace and partners the support needed to host an expansion of economic opportunities, social and cultural experiences, and learning for local growers, artists, makers, producers, chefs, and the public. Sprout and partners will also build out the Marketplace's physical space over the next three years using commissioned functional art from local artists, with priority granted to Latino, East African, Native American, Amish, grower, and youth communities. Sprout strives to connect and strengthen the local food system as a regional asset, operating from their facility centrally located in Little Falls, Minnesota. The Sprout facility hosts the monthly indoor Growers & Makers Marketplace as well as a shared-use commercial kitchen to promote food entrepreneurship and community gatherings around food, art, and culture. Sprout is a federally recognized 501c3 non-profit organization. The community is invited to shop the Sprout Growers & Makers Marketplace vendors selling local food and art on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on October 27, November 17, and December 8. Interested growers, artists, chefs, community members, and educators who want to learn more, visit www.SproutMN.com and follow the Sprout Growers & Makers Marketplace on Facebook. |