Catholic Charities Emergency Services Food Shelf Receives $2,000 Donation from the Minnesota Grocers Association

June 21, 2021

Donation is on behalf of Coborn’s, Sauk Rapids and Post Consumer Brands, Lakeville for winning the MGA’s 2020 Bag Hunger Campaign Silver Plate Award

Catholic Charities Emergency Services Food Shelf recently received a $2,000 donation through the Minnesota Grocers Association (MGA) Bag Hunger Campaign. The campaign was coordinated by the MGA and included over 300 MGA retail members, 10 vendor partners, and community food banks and food shelves across Minnesota.


Coborn’s, Sauk Rapids and Post Consumer Brands, Lakeville are two of 16 companies statewide that were recognized for their exceptional efforts to end hunger in their communities through the campaign, with stores and vendors encouraging consumers to contribute by donating grocery items in-store or by rounding up the total of their purchases.


“We are again excited to be able to support our local partner, Catholic Charities, in fighting food insecurity in our community with this donation, thanks to the Bag Hunger Campaign and our customers,” said Dennis Host, Vice President/Marketing, for Coborn’s, Inc. “We know that this donation will be put to good work to support the families in our community who will benefit. Thank you to our customers for their generosity in supporting this very worthy cause.”

“Post Consumer Brands considers hunger relief, and serving those in need, to be part of our mission and we are thrilled to support the Minnesota Grocers Association’s Bag Hunger Campaign,” said Greg Hasper, Vice President Sales – Wholesale Team of Post Consumer Brands. “We have amazing partnership with our customers, and together we strengthen our communities.”


For their joined effort in promoting the Bag Hunger Campaign and as winners, each company received $1,000 to donate to a food charity of their choice, and a virtual donation of $2,000 was made to Catholic Charities Food Shelf. Customarily, the contribution is made during an in-person presentation, and this change in format was used to respect the industry best practices due to the Covid-19 pandemic.


“We thank these two companies for working with the MGA and giving this generous donation to help fight hunger in our community,” said Sue Hanks, Program Manager, Catholic Charities Emergency Services. “In partnering with local businesses, groups, organizations and individuals TOGETHER we can make a difference and strengthen our community. Minnesota’s grocers, vendors and their customers have proven that together, we can succeed in the fight to end hunger.”


In this year alone, the organized efforts of the campaign and its participating companies collectively raised over 1.7 million meals. Since 2008, participants in the MGA’s hunger campaign programs have provided nearly 41 million meals to hungry families in Minnesota.

“It was exciting to see these partnerships develop over the years. It’s an inspiration how everyone’s hard work on the Bag Hunger Campaign makes a positive difference for Minnesota families in need,” said Jamie Pfuhl, President of the MGA. “I applaud Coborn’s, Sauk Rapids and Post Consumer Brands, Lakeville on their successes and innovative partnership in this campaign. All of our participants did a great job raising awareness on a community level and rallying consumers behind this important cause.”


The MGA is the only state trade association that represents the food industry of Minnesota from farm to fork, and is the oldest trade association in the state, celebration over 120 years of advancing industry.


The mission of Catholic Charities Emergency Services is to uphold individuals experiencing emergency situations by providing food, clothing and financial assistance in a compassionate, respectful and dignified manner. Catholic Charities Food Shelf is here to provide nutritious food, essential personal care necessities and to instill hope to our neighbors in need.

Our Recent News

By Brittany Hoversten May 26, 2026
Mental Health Awareness Month is a time to honor the courage it takes to seek support, the resilience people carry within them, and the professionals who walk alongside individuals on their healing journeys. At Granite City Counseling—a program of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud—Jennifer Lieser Eschmann, MSW, LGSW, embodies that mission every day. Jenny’s path into mental health care began long before she earned her graduate degree. With 20 years of social work experience, she had already spent much of her life serving diverse communities and supporting individuals through life challenges. She graduated from Saint Benedict/Saint John’s in 2004, later pursuing her Master of Social Work to deepen her ability to support others. As part of her MSW training at St. Cloud State University, Jenny completed an internship at the St. Cloud Veterans Administration, gaining meaningful experience supporting veterans and their families. She also worked in higher education, promoting mental health initiatives, and helping students access the care they needed. Before her graduate studies, she served for many years as a Licensed Social Worker, working with a wide range of populations. These experiences shaped her, strengthened her, and gave her a broad, compassionate understanding of the people she serves today. A Person-Centered, Strength-Based Approach Jenny’s practice is grounded in person-centered care and a deep belief that every individual carries strength worth recognizing and nurturing. She incorporates: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Motivational Interviewing with a focus on the Stages of Change Mindfulness techniques A strong emphasis on self-care and resilience She specializes in supporting individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, grief and loss, stress, and challenges related to self-esteem and confidence. Helping people recognize their own strengths and potential isn’t just part of her job—it’s her passion. At Granite City Counseling, she works with individuals from many backgrounds, offering a safe, secure, and welcoming space where clients can share openly—often from deeply vulnerable places. She sees this as a privilege, not a task. Jenny wants future clients to know that they are not just a number. At Granite City Counseling, care is personal, intentional, and rooted in genuine compassion. Outside of work, Jenny enjoys spending time with her friends and family—especially cheering on her daughter at sporting events. She loves finding great bargains and looks forward to new travel adventures whenever she can. A Message for Anyone Who Is Struggling If you or someone you know needs someone to talk to, Jenny wants you to reach out. Support is here, and healing is possible. Visit https://www.granitecitycounseling.com/ or call 320‑650‑1550. You deserve care, connection, and a place to feel heard.
By Brittany Hoversten April 28, 2026
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud is celebrating a meaningful boost to its Senior Nutrition efforts thanks to a generous $57,856.54 donation from the CentraCare Foundation. This contribution will support the full spectrum of Catholic Charities Senior Nutrition services — including Meals on Wheels, senior dining, and other nutrition initiatives that help older adults access healthy, reliable meals across central Minnesota. On Thursday, April 23, Catholic Charities President & CEO Aaron Fisk, Food Access Director Stacy Lund, and Senior Nutrition Manager Shannon Nolan gathered to accept the check from CentraCare Foundation. The gift represents a powerful investment in the health, independence, and dignity of seniors throughout the region. “We are grateful to the CentraCare Foundation for this generous donation. This support will have a significant and immediate impact on the older adults we serve,” said Stacy Lund, Food Access Director. “With this contribution, we can strengthen access to nutritious, consistent meals for seniors who face food insecurity. Nutritious food is a critical component of healthy aging, and your support helps us improve meal quality, expand service capacity, and maintain reliable nutrition assistance for seniors striving to remain healthy, independent, and safely in their homes.” Catholic Charities Senior Nutrition programs — including Meals on Wheels — provide nutritious meals, wellness checks, and social connection to at‑risk, homebound, ill, and vulnerable adults age 60 and older. For many seniors, especially those living alone or managing chronic health conditions, these daily visits and meal services are a lifeline. CentraCare Foundation’s mission centers on improving community health and well‑being. Their investment in Catholic Charities Senior Nutrition reflects a shared commitment to ensuring older adults have access to the nutrition and support they need to remain healthy and independent at home. This donation will help Catholic Charities continue expanding its reach, improving meal quality, and ensuring that no senior in need goes without a nutritious meal. To learn more about Catholic Charities Senior Nutrition programs or to inquire about services for yourself or a loved one, visit ccstcloud.org .
By Jenna Pettit March 27, 2026
Catholic Charities is thrilled to announce the success of our 16th Annual Pack the Porches Food and Fund Drive, held on March 27th, 2026.