Food banks supporting local families

Food banks were started in the late 60’s to help capture surplus food at grocery stores. Each year, 108 billion pounds of food is wasted in the United States. Feeding America and other food banks collectively rescue over four billion pounds of that food from the nation’s waste stream. If food and other products don’t get donated to food banks, they might otherwise end up in landfills.

"As much as 40 percent of the food produced in the United States is thrown away as waste and that’s really were food banks come in. We want to make sure to rescue products and get it to people because there is so much need in our community and throughout the nation. Certainly this surplus food should be rescued to help others," said Shaye Moris, the executive director at Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank.

Products come from stores like Sam’s Club, Whole’s Food Co-Op, Walmart, Super One, Kwik Trip, local hospitals, Upper Lakes Food and other food banks in the Northland. Fresh fruits and vegetables, frozen meats and dairy items are some of the most requested food items from the individuals that utilize the services of food banks.

Moris talked about a new program that will incorporate volunteers with picking up local food donations. "We’re launching this New Fresh Connect program with the help of volunteers to help us get to some of the smaller format stores and restaurants where there’s a small amount of food. We really identify there’s food available and we’re trying to find the right ways to connect it to people."

Tune into Good Morning Northland tomorrow morning from 5-9 am for ‘Have a Heart, Help a Neighbor’ if you would like to donate towards Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank and see all the fundraising happen live from the Coppertop Church!