‘Stock the Shelves’ Drive Aims to Support Crow Wing Co. Food Shelves, Families

The Crow Wing County Food Access Coalition says that rising food prices and uncertainty surrounding federal nutrition programs such as SNAP and WIC have made it more difficult for families to stay fed. In light of these issues, the coalition has launched a Stock the Shelves Food Drive to not only support those struggling to put food on the table, but also to help stock up area food shelves.

In Crow Wing County, about 8.5% percent of residents live below the poverty line, and more than 5,000 people experience food insecurity, which means they do not always know where their next meal will come from. Many within the area are also experiencing food insecurity for the first time in their lives.

“Given the uncertainty, the added need, just the amount of people that are coming in that’s an increase for our food shelves, that we should try to do this together,” said Erich Heppener, Crow Wing County Food Access Coalition Chair. “We’ve worked hard across our food shelves to really create a welcoming and dignified experience. Our ability to get food from our normal sources is lesser than it was in the past, so that’s really where this Stock The Shelves Food Drive is coming in key.”

The Crow Wing County Food Access Coalition says donations of nonperishable food can be dropped off at:

• Essentia Health St Joseph’s Medical Center, Brainerd
• Cuyuna Regional Medical Center, Crosby
• Crow Wing County Community Services, Brainerd
• Super One Foods, Pequot Lakes

Most needed items:

• Canned meats and complete meals
• Canned vegetables and fruits
• Peanut butter
• Boxed meals like mac and cheese or rice dishes
• Baking staples such as flour, sugar, and cooking oil

The Lakes Area United Way is also accepting monetary donations for the drive. Checks can be mailed to Lakes Area United Way, PO Box 381, Brainerd, MN 56401 – put “Attn Food Drive” in the memo line. Donations are also accepted online here.

The Stock the Shelves food drive will go through the end of November.