Catholic Charities Emergency Services Responds to COVID-19 Pandemic with Food Relief Bags

March 16, 2020

Catholic Charities Emergency Services, a program of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud, continues to provide access to food to those in need despite the COVID-19 pandemic while protecting community health and safety.

Food relief bags will be available for pickup on Wednesdays from 1 pm to 7 pm and Fridays from 9 am to 12 pm at Catholic Charities Emergency Services, 157 Roosevelt Rd, Suite 100, St. Cloud. Food relief bags will also be available for pickup at Catholic Charities Emergency Services eight mobile sites.

“Now more than ever we are here to help meet the needs of those who are hungry in our community, and are working to provide accessible food in the most efficient and safe way while caring for our neighbors, volunteers, and employees,” said Sue Hanks, Emergency Services program manager.

Food shelves across Minnesota, including Catholic Charities Emergency Services Food Shelf, have already seen a decrease in financial and food donations from their communities and partners. Catholic Charities is encouraging donors and supporters, as they are able, to continue to give to their local food shelf.

Although local grocery stores may be seeing an increase in demand for food products, Catholic Charities Emergency Services wholesale sources continue to be able to meet purchasing demands. Therefore, financial contributions to Catholic Charities Food Shelf will continue to enable the program in helping meet community needs.

As part of the Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign, Catholic Charities is continuing its 10th annual Pack the Porches Food Drive, benefitting Catholic Charities Food Shelf.

On Friday, March 20, from 7 am to 1 pm, Catholic Charites Food Shelf will accept donations of nonperishable food items and funds at three drop-off locations: Pioneer Place on Fifth, 22 5th Ave S, Saint Cloud; HealthPartners, 2251 Connecticut Ave S, Sartell; and St. Cloud Hyundai, 900 2nd St S, Waite Park.

Donations of food and funds delivered in-person will be accepted without the donor having to leave his or her car. Monetary donations can also be made online at ccstcloud.org/donate.

For more information on Catholic Charities Emergency Services hours and locations of services, please call 320-229-4560. For more information on Catholic Charities Pack the Porches Food Drive and for COVID-19 program status updates, visit ccstcloud.org.

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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 .

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By Jenna Pettit • March 27, 2026
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Meet Nicole from Emergency Services

By Brittany Hoversten • March 5, 2026
If you ask anyone at Emergency Services, they’ll tell you the same thing: Nikki is unstoppable. Every single day, she goes above and beyond for Catholic Charities, our clients, and her team. Nikki is a proud mom of two, and her youngest recently moved out on their own. Life hasn’t always been easy—she lost her children’s father suddenly in 2006, a time she describes as chaotic and life-changing. Today, she’s in a happy relationship and loves spending time at the cabin, traveling, riding motorcycle, and making the yearly trip to Sturgis. Catholic Charities “found” Nikki in a very full-circle way. At the time, she was helping her dad with his job as a grocery vendor—the same stores that donate to Catholic Charities. difference for the community every day. At the end of each night, she lays her head down knowing she helped someone—and that’s what keeps her going. When her dad broke his elbow, Nikki stepped in to help him. Her strong work ethic caught the attention of a Catholic Charities program manager who had grown up with her dad. He saw something special in her and offered her a position. Her first assignment? Driving the Catholic Charities food truck—even though she had never driven a truck before. She remembers being terrified backing down the ramps, but her supervisor simply told her, “Keep it between the yellow lines.” She did—and that moment sparked the confidence that has fueled her ever since. Over the past 13 years, Nikki has worked in nearly every corner of Emergency Services. Nikki originally got pulled into Mardi Gras because her mom is crafty, and she’s been involved ever since. She especially loves the decorating and seeing everything come together. Last year’s event was particularly wild with so many new people, but Nikki’s natural leadership helped bring everyone together to create a fantastic experience. When asked what motivates her, Nikki doesn’t hesitate: positive thinking. “Negative thoughts will never give you a positive life,” she says. She believes positivity is contagious, and her mantra is simple: Do the best you can with what you have, take it one day at a time, and always pay it forward.