January 18, 2007 at 7:42 a.m.
Family Pathways receives $1,000 for food shelves
Family Pathways receives $1,000 for food shelves
The donation from Xcel Energy was accepted at the Forest Lake Food Shelf, located in a small strip mall on Hwy. 97 across from Forest Lake High School.
Although the donation was made in Forest Lake, the money will be used to stock the shelves at the North Branch and Lindstrom food shelf locations as well.
Lynn Kirk, Family Pathways Development Manager, said the donation translates to 5,000 pounds of food for needy families.
She said at this time of the year, area food shelves are fairly well-stocked because so many people remember the food shelf during the holidays.
"As we approach March, however, the supplies dwindle off," Kirk said.
The Xcel Energy donation will enable food shelf volunteers to buy perishable food items that they aren't able to receive as regular donations.
Any food or monetary donations are greatly appreciated, food shelf volunteers said, but some of the most needed items are pasta, pasta sauce, macaroni and cheese and toilet paper.
Kirk said donors can't go wrong choosing foods that are kid-friendly. This is because more than half the people served each month by the Family Pathways Food Shelves are children under age 17, she added.
Last year, the food shelves served 375 families in Forest Lake and across Chisago County. Kirk said most of these aren't regular clients- they don't need to utilize the food shelf every month.
"These are people who have fallen into a crisis and need a little help," she said. "Providing these items means they will have the money to pay their bills."
"Unfortunately, the demand for the food shelf continues to grow, but fortunately, we're here to help."
She said that personal care items are often forgotten, but reminds donors the need is there for items like soap and shampoo.
Family Pathways offers advocacy services as well to assist in issues with housing, jobs, health care, transportation and other areas.
The Lindstrom Food Shelf is located at 12882 1st Ave. N. It is open Mondays, 9 a.m.-noon Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 a.m.- 6 p.m. and Saturdays, 9 a.m.-noon.
The North Branch Food Shelf is located at 6479 Main St. It is open Mondays, 2 p.m.-8 p.m. and Wednesdays and Fridays, 9 a.m.- 6 p.m.
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