By Logan Bernstein
The holidays are a good time of year to remember people in need, and try to help by donating items to charity and by gathering food for donation to the local food shelf. In October the Kenyon-Wanamingo-Nerstrand area saw the opening of the new All Seasons Community Services – Food Shelf, which offers a new place to help area residents.
The service, which has been steadily growing since it was opened, began by serving about 30 families but ended November at around 50 and is continuing to grow.
“Donations have been quite good,” said Bobbie Jones, who manages the food shelf. “People have been generous, especially with produce and food donations.”
Things usually slow down for food shelves in the month of December, but Jones hopes the All Seasons Food Shelf will still see strong donations and growth through the month. As of this article the main thing the shelf needs for donations is soups and juices — which are always in short supply – and they are still looking for permanent supplier for bread.
The food shelf serves the Wanamingo area as well and Jones said that they have seen a good supply of donations, especially monetary donations, coming from the Wanamingo area since the shelf opened.
The labor for the food shelf is staffed by volunteers and they currently have about 15 or so volunteers supplying labor, including the two part-time maintenance workers. As with most food shelves organizations they are always looking for more volunteers. Those who wish to work at the food shelf can expect to sign a 3 month commitment after which it is up to them if they continue.
The All Seasons Food Shelf came to be as a result of the All Seasons Community Services (formerly Third World Friends) non-profit organization’s recent effort to create more local projects. The food shelf is the first of these new efforts. Bobbie Jones is the bookkeeper for All Seasons Community Services and helps with the food shelf.
The shelf is open three days a week. Mondays from 3-6 PM, Thursdays from 12- 3 PM and Saturdays from 9 AM to 12 PM. Those who wish to use the food shelf are asked to call 507-789-6162 to make an appointment. More information about volunteering or any other questions can also be found by calling.
