Chum kicks off Minnesota FoodShare Month with some ambitious goals this month. They hope to raise $100,000 and 50,000 pounds of food within the month of March.

Scott Van Daele, Chum’s Distributive Services Director, said donations during this time are critical. Annual visits to food shelves are now more than double the rates of pre-pandemic visits according to  according to Hunger Solutions Minnesota.

“It’s something that we do pretty much every year or we try to. This year may be different because of the economy,” Van Daele said. “But this community has continued and always has been up to the task of helping us.”

Across the board, food prices are now 25% higher than they were pre-pandemic, according to ground collaborative, a think tank in D.C. Van Daele said they can help stretch a dollar when it comes to giving food to people in need. This year, money donations is the way to go to help with Chum’s efforts.

“It just sort of varies and this year it might be a totally different ballgame since the cost of food has sort of skyrocketed. So it might be easier, obviously when you donate money,” Van Daele said. “It goes a little farther than it would if you were just to bring me a product.”

Chum’s CSA partner, Agate Acres, and Whole Foods CO-OP, also help CHUM reach their goals. Emily Richey the owner and operator of Agate Acres said everyone should be able to enjoy local produce that’s fresh and nutritious.

“There’s so much food in the world. If there are folks who have a farm or your own garden, reach out to Scott, reach out to Chum,” Richey said. “There’s definitely opportunities to get that food on someone’s plate. And instead of in the compost or in the trash.

For more information on the Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign visit here. Also for more information on the campaign being held by Chum visit here. However, for other stories about Chum you can read more here.