5.2 Lakes Area Food Shelf Donation Request

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{ Unemployed —many who lost jobs during the pandemic Working poor — people who work two and three jobs, but still can't afford the high costs of housing, food, gas, etc. NEED Dramatic increase in the number of individuals served (10,978 in 2022, compared to 4,657 in 2021. Food purchase costs have increased 65% from 2021 to 2022. A recent study completed by the MN Dept of Health and Hunger Solutions, reports that clients of MN food shelves said they had to choose between FOOD and: ✓ Utilities = 42% ✓ Transportation = 29% ✓ Housing = 28% ✓ Medical Care/Meds = 19% ✓ Education = 4% LEADERSHIP, OPERATIONS, AND FIDUCIARY COMMITMENT 4, The food shelf is led by a strong, diverse Board of Directors 1 We operate primarily by volunteers (currently have around 30) 1 We have two part-time staff, a Director and an Administrative Assistant 4- We are a 501 c 3 public charity i We are committed to the National Council on Foundations guideline to keep administrative costs at or less than 30% of our budget FINANCIAL NEED 4� As a 501 c 3, we depend on the generous support of individuals, units of government, businesses, foundations, churches, and others to exist. i Our 2023 annual operating budget and fundraising need is $400,000. In addition, we have launched a Capital Campaign to raise $500,000 for a building expansion. To date, we've received a $90,000 grant from The Blandin Foundation for the project, in addition to a $75,000 matching grant from The Hunt Family. 4- We make a tremendous difference in the lives of our local citizens, every single day, as evidenced in the following statements from our friends and neighbors: ✓ "7 come to the Food Shelf for food, because by the end of the month, there is nothing left. But I want to tell you that when I come here, I feel like I am coming to see friends. Everyone who works here is kind and caring, and they never make me feel like I am being judged. " ✓ "I never expected I would need to come here, but that was before I agreed to take in my grandkids. I can't make it work any other way. " ✓ "It is important to me that you know how grateful we are for this food. I don't know what we would do if we couldn't come here. The food we get here — it helps my family survive. I want you to know that. This is about our survival. R just is. " ✓ "I shouldn't need to come here. I have a full-time job. I am a professional. But I have children, get no child support, and now care for my father and brother. Both of them have special needs. Sometimes, it is all just too much. "