MN FoodShare is the time of year when our community comes together to drive out hunger. A proclamation was made at the City Council meeting last week inviting the entire community to join HFS in driving out hunger! All monetary gifts and pounds of food collected will be proportionately MATCHED by MN Foodshare.

Gifts can be made safely online, mailed, or dropped off at HFS, and there will be many food drives and events throughout the community to participate in as well. If you are interested in holding a food or fund drive during MN Foodshare, resources are available at www.hastingsfamilyservice.or g. Events including a Taproom Takeover at Spiral Brewery on March 10th and the return of Hastings Tastings on March 28th are opportunities to support HFS in March. Everyone can get involved, have some fun, and collectively make a big impact on hunger in the community.

HFS is dedicating this year’s MN FoodShare efforts to Mary Kocak, the HFS food shelf director who will retire on March 31st. “Mary has been driving out hunger in our community for 27 years and her heart for service and her dedication to quality has made a lasting impact in our community,” said Amy Sutton, HFS Executive Director.

Sutton also indicated it is important to have a strong MN Foodshare month because food shelves are challenged with increased food and delivery costs, supply chain disruptions and labor shortages at a time of increased need. For example, a recent report from Second Harvest Heartland indicated the food bank had 40% less meat available in the past 6 months compared to a year ago, greatly impacting what food shelves like the Market at HFS are able to access.

MN Foodshare will run from February 28 – April 10th with all monetary gifts and gifts of food proportionately matched by MN Foodshare. Join the city-wide effort to drive out hunger!