Pack the Porches Food and Fund Drive Received Nearly 4,500 Pounds of Food and More Than $23,000

March 19, 2021

Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign Continues through April 11

Today’s 11th annual Pack the Porches food and fund drive, benefiting Catholic Charities Emergency Services Food Shelf, received 4,403 pounds of food and $23,011 in donated funds during the six-hour event from 7 am to 1 pm. Thank you to Coborn’s for matching all food and fund donations up to $10,000.

Pack the Porches curbside drop-off locations were again located at Pioneer Place on Fifth, St. Cloud; and St. Cloud Hyundai, Waite Park. Catholic Charities Emergency Services also received food donations, and funds were received online through Catholic Charities website at ccstcloud.org.

Several businesses across the St. Cloud area also hosted Pack the Porches food and fund drives, leading up to today’s event, with some continuing throughout the Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign, which ends April 11.

“While COVID-19 continues to affect our community, helping neighbors experiencing hunger is more important than ever. Catholic Charities is grateful and overwhelmed by our community’s response during this time of unparalleled need. One in nine people, right here in our community, are unable to fill their cupboards and feed their children. While we’re all concerned with our own health and safety, our community has stepped forward to address the needs of others,” said Steve Pareja, Executive Director, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud.

Food and funds from the event support Catholic Charities Food Shelf, serving the communities of St. Cloud, St. Augusta, Sauk Rapids, Waite Park and Sartell.

Catholic Charities Emergency Services Modified Donation Hours

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Catholic Charities Emergency Services is accepting food donations during limited hours through a drop-off model on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 12:30 and 1:30 pm at the loading area of its location at 157 Roosevelt Rd, St. Cloud, Door D. Outside of these hours, contact info@ccstcloud.org or 320-229-4560 to coordinate another drop-off time.

Please do not leave donations outside our doors. Donations must be collected and weighed by Catholic Charities staff to ensure food safety standards and inventory tracking. Funds can be donated online at ccstcloud.org/donate.

Catholic Charities Food Shelf Distribution

Catholic Charities Emergency Services Food Shelf is open for limited food distribution. Households will receive a monthly pre-packed food relief serve on Wednesdays from 3 pm to 7 pm, and Fridays from 9 am to 12 pm. Please contact Emergency Services at 320-229-4560 if needing to receive an additional serve in the month.

Catholic Charities Food Shelf distribution provides a monthly pre-packed food relief serve that’s packaged in a grocery cart of 120 to 200 pounds of food, depending on size of household.

For senior citizens age 60 and over, a monthly pre-packed food relief serve is available the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month from 1 pm to 3 pm. In partnership with Catholic Charities Senior Dining, frozen meals are also available to those registered with Catholic Charities Senior Dining program. Seniors can also register on-site during these hours.

Distribution is provided through a walk-up service model; no appointment needed. Social distancing precautions must be taken. Individuals must be at least six feet apart from one another while on premises. We request one individual at a time approach the distribution table.

About Minnesota FoodShare and the March Campaign

Minnesota FoodShare is an interfaith organization aiming to fight food insecurity and raise awareness of it among Minnesota communities. The Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign is the largest annual grassroots food and fund drive in the state, and helps to stock nearly 300 food shelves statewide. During the 2020 March Campaign, more than 21.5 million dollars and over 7.4 million pounds of food shelf items were raised by Minnesota food shelves.

To date, Minnesota FoodShare has distributed over 18 million dollars to March Campaign participating food shelves via the Minnesota FoodShare FoodFund. 100 percent of donations received by Minnesota FoodShare during the March Campaign go into the FoodFund and are distributed to March Campaign participating food shelves, including Catholic Charities.

Minnesota FoodShare envisions a future where all Minnesotans have access to healthy food and no one struggles with food insecurity. The March Campaign addresses these issues directly and Minnesota FoodShare invites you to join their efforts and advocate for long-term solutions to food insecurity and poverty in our communities.

Minnesota FoodShare began its work in 1982 with a campaign advanced by congregations to restock food shelves in the 7-county Twin Cities Metropolitan Area. The effort was so successful and the need was so evident, the March Campaign became a statewide program just one year later.

Our Recent News

Pack the Porches 2025!

March 28, 2025
PACK THE PORCHES FOOD AND FUND DRIVE RECEIVED OVER 6,000 POUNDS OF FOOD AND MORE THAN $21,000

A Day of Joy and Connection at Pond View Estates

By Brittany Hoversten • March 13, 2025
On Tuesday, January 28th, a group of students from Trex North School visited Pond View Estates in Albany, organized by Sandy Baldwin, group leader, and in collaboration with Catholic Charities in St. Cloud. Julie Ueland, the student advisor, helped oversee the project to ensure everything went smoothly. Pond View Estates is a Senior Dining Congregate Kitchen, where seniors gather to enjoy meals and socialize, making it a perfect environment for these students to connect with the residents. When the students arrived, the residents were delighted by the youthful energy and enthusiasm they brought. The students quickly got to work helping the seniors create Valentine’s cards before lunch. The atmosphere was filled with creativity and laughter as everyone worked together to make colorful and thoughtful cards. Afterward, the group enjoyed lunch together, where the dining hall was full of lively conversation. The students interacted with the seniors, hearing their stories and building new connections. The visit bridged generations, fostering meaningful and joyful interactions. The highlight of the day was the bingo game that followed lunch, where excitement filled the room as the numbers were called. Friendly competition brought plenty of laughs, especially when someone was just one number away from winning, only for another participant to grab the prize first. The fun, camaraderie, and shared moments left everyone smiling. A few standout interactions included Joseph and Riley spending time with resident Victor Tschida, and Tianna sharing a special moment with resident Ken Bunger. These connections highlighted the deep impact of intergenerational friendships. For many of the residents, the visit from the students was an unexpected but cherished experience, reminding everyone of the importance of making time for one another. It was a beautiful day of fostering community, connection, and kindness. As the students prepared to leave, there was a sense of fulfillment in the air. Not only had the day brightened the seniors' lives, but it also left a lasting impression on the students, who gained a deeper understanding of the joy and fulfillment that comes from spending quality time with others. The day ended with smiles, hugs, and promises to return, a reminder of how powerful and meaningful human connection can be.

Volunteering at Lincoln Elementary

By Brittany Hoversten • March 5, 2025
At Lincoln Elementary in Little Falls, the pre-K classroom thrives thanks to Miss Maranda and Dorothy, a Foster Grandparent volunteer. Ms. Maranda values having Grandma Dorothy in the room. "It's great to have someone with a fresh perspective who connects with students," she says. Dorothy helps students with academics and brings a caring approach to the youngest learners. Dorothy enjoys her role, finding it both fun and meaningful. "The kids are so much fun, and I'm happy to help with lessons that impact their learning for years," she says. The appreciation between Miss Maranda and Dorothy is mutual. "Dorothy brings positivity, is helpful and kind, and has become an integral part of our classroom team," Miss Maranda shares. Dorothy feels valued, especially when teachers note her impact on students. "When my teacher tells me, 'I can tell which students you've worked with,' it lets me know I’m making a difference," Dorothy says. Their collaboration has led to touching moments, such as a student hugging Dorothy at Walmart. "It shows the lasting connection we’ve made," Dorothy recalls. Miss Maranda echoes this, saying, "We’d gladly welcome another foster grandparent into our program. It’s refreshing to have a grandparent figure who makes a lasting impact on both learning and relationships." Dorothy’s support is important for struggling students. "I love encouraging them to do their best," she says, finding joy in seeing their proud faces when they grasp a concept or complete a project. The partnership between Miss Maranda and Dorothy highlights the impact of volunteers. Dorothy’s positivity, support, and perspective enhance the learning experience and provide invaluable help to teachers, showcasing the mutual benefits of the Foster Grandparent Program.
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