Fire Department helps combat hunger with March food drive
The Minneapolis Fire Department and Saint Paul Fire Departments are once again competing to see which city can collect the most pounds of food during Minnesota Foodshare Month.
March is Minnesota FoodShare Month, and the Fire Departments are partnering with the Salvation Army on a food drive aimed at replenishing Minneapolis food shelves. Between March 1 and 31, please join firefighters in their effort to combat hunger by bringing non-perishable food items to any of these locations:
- Fire Department office , Room 233 - City Hall
- Any of Minneapolis’ 19 fire stations. Folks who donate food at a fire station are welcome to stay for a free blood-pressure reading if they are dropping off donations between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m.
- The Fire Training Facility, 25 - 37th Avenue N.E.
Minnesota FoodShare Month is a statewide initiative to encourage food and cash donations to the 300 food shelves in Minnesota. The Twin Cities Salvation Army has seven food shelves which serve more than 6,000 people each day.
Many Minnesota families are feeling the effects of the recession, and it is estimated that 1 in 10 metro area households — many of them with children — are facing hunger. With the increased need, hunger relief programs are struggling to meet the demand. Here are the items most needed at the food shelves:
- Beef stew or hearty soups
- Chili or canned meats
- Peanut butter
- Boxed meals
- Dried peas/beans
- Rice or instant potatoes
- Fruit preserves.
Please, no glass containers, perishable items or home canned foods!
Published Feb. 29, 2012