Letter to the Editor

To the Editor:

On August 8, I posted on my Facebook page that the Browerville Area Food Shelf was in dire need of funds to continue serving the people of the area.

My plea was heard loud and clear. People from the area contacted me and asked where they could send their donations, and they began to roll in. 

Three people contacted me and asked if I had heard about grant opportunities. I hadn’t, but I did some looking into them and applied for what was applicable.

I contacted Browerville and Eagle Bend Lions. They both blessed us with generous donations.

This past weekend, Shepherd of the Valley in Clarissa hosted a beef tip dinner. They matched up to $500, and Zion Lutheran in Browerville also donated $500.

Minnesota Fresh donated veggie packs to us, and they are a huge hit with the clients. Enterprise CP (the pasta factory) also donated many pasta meals.

We have been so blessed to have these organizations and businesses donate when the need is so great. The numbers are climbing each and every month.

Prior to COVID, we were seeing about 35 families each month. COVID hit, and the number lowered to around 20. This is because people were getting a larger amount on their EBT cards, and there were many food giveaways. And people’s food needs were being met. 

That ended, and folks were back in food insecurity. We are up to over 70 families each month, with more than 10 being brand new to us. With grocery costs being so high, families don’t know where to turn. They turn to us, and we supply them with canned, boxed, bagged, fresh, and frozen items.

My heart is overflowing with all the blessings that have been bestowed upon us.

In a world where there is so much negativity, there are bright shiny stars who donate and volunteer. They are my kind of people—I am so blessed to have them in my life.

If you know of someone who is having a tough time making ends meet and the cupboards are looking bare, send them our way. We are open on Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m. If there is a food emergency, call 320-266-8863.

As we say here at the Browerville Area Food Shelf...we are feeding our neighbors. 

Renae Buhl

Executive Director

Browerville Area Food Shelf