Every July, something powerful happens across Minnesota. Communities come together, neighbors support neighbors, and food shelves receive a boost exactly when they need it most. This year, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud is once again proud to join the 17th Annual Open Your Heart to the Hungry and Homeless Summer Challenge, a statewide effort to strengthen food access during the summer months, when demand on food shelves rises.
Why Summer Is So Hard for Families
When school lets out, thousands of Minnesota children lose access to reliable meals. At the same time, donations to food shelves typically drop. This creates a seasonal gap that leaves many families struggling to put food on the table. The Summer Challenge helps bridge that gap.
Participating food shelves, including the Catholic Charities Emergency Services Food Shelf, receive a proportional matching grant based on the funds raised throughout July. That means every gift made this month goes even further, helping us serve more families across Central Minnesota.
Record Need Across Minnesota
Last year, Minnesota food shelves reported more than 9 million visits, the highest number ever recorded. Rising food costs and ongoing economic instability continue to push families toward emergency food support at unprecedented levels. As one of the largest providers of emergency food assistance in Central Minnesota, we see this need every day.
In 2025 alone, 83 food shelves across the state participated in the Summer Challenge, raising $2.4 million to keep shelves stocked. Grants ranged from $150 to $4,000, depending on each organization’s fundraising totals.
This year’s theme, Kicking Hunger Together, aligns with the excitement of the World Cup, reminding us that teamwork, unity, and community spirit can make a real difference.
How Your Support Helps
Here in Central Minnesota, our Food Shelf continues to experience record demand. Participation in the Summer Challenge strengthens our ability to meet this need and ensures families have reliable access to nutritious food all summer long. Every donation helps us:
- Keep shelves stocked with healthy, essential foods
- Support families facing unexpected hardship
- Ensure children have access to meals during summer break
- Respond quickly to rising demand in our community
Throughout July, your support has double the impact thanks to the Open Your Heart Summer Challenge. Whether you give online, host a food drive, or help spread the word, you’re part of a statewide team working to ensure no Minnesotan goes hungry.
