FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jessica Sund
Director of Development and Communications
Phone: (507) 269-2885
Email: [email protected]
Rochester, MN – November 9th, 2021
It should come as no surprise to consumers that the cost of food is on the rise – and that many grocery stores are facing item shortages.
The U.S. Department of Labor states that food prices went up 3.4% over 12 months. Items that consumers prepare at home went up 2.6% with meat, poultry, fish and eggs jumping up almost 6%.[1]
What consumers may not consider, however, is how the increased costs and scarcity of items affect those facing food insecurity. “With the lasting effects of the pandemic, rising cost of food due to inflation, plus supply chain and distribution challenges, many families will struggle to put food on the table this season,” stated Virginia Merritt, executive director of Channel One Regional Food Bank.
According to statewide survey data, the items most requested from food shelf visitors are meat, poultry and fish; fresh produce; dairy; eggs; and cooking and baking supplies.[2] Each of these items has seen a jump in price over the last year, making it more expensive for Channel One to provide healthy food options for food program clients and shoppers.
Channel One Regional Food Bank is seeking donations from the public to make up for the rising cost of food, especially as we enter one of the busiest times of year for the food bank.
“Support from donors is even more essential right now as the communities and programs throughout our region face additional challenges,” Virginia continued, “It’s not only food costs that are on the rise, but also the cost of transportation, housing, energy and heat, health care and other barriers to food access that our clients may face.”
Every $1.15 donated to Channel One provides 4 meals to neighbors facing food insecurity this holiday season. Plus, a gift to Channel One could have a greater impact this month by participating in Give to the Max. Every gift submitted on givemn.org/organization/Channel-One-Food-Bank could help Channel One win part of a $100,000+ Prize Pool provided by GiveMN and the Bush Foundation.
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About Channel One Regional Food Bank
Channel One Regional Food Bank, a member of Feeding America, strengthens food access and builds healthy communities. Channel One operates food programs to serve local and area needs such as: a food bank, a food shelf, mobile pantries, Childhood Hunger Programs, and the Nutrition Assistance Program for Seniors (NAPS). Channel One Regional Food Bank mobilizes organizations, volunteers, and donors to serve the network of more than 200 nonprofit programs that provide food for children, adults, and families in need. Channel One serves 14 counties across southeastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin. For more information, call 507.287.2350 or visit helpingfeedpeople.org
About GiveMN
GiveMN is an independent nonprofit organization working to ignite generosity and grow giving through GiveMN.org, Minnesota’s giving marketplace, and RaiseMN, a fundraising coaching and training program.
Since 2009, nearly 700,000 donors have made gifts with ease and enthusiasm through GiveMN.org to make a difference for causes in their communities. Through this online marketplace for generosity, and giving events like the annual Give to the Max, GiveMN has helped to generate nearly $300 million for more than 13,000 nonprofits.
RaiseMN serves Minnesota nonprofits through individualized coaching and programs to transform nonprofit fundraising. Focusing on small- to medium-sized organizations, RaiseMN builds more healthy and sustainable fundraising practices so nonprofits can continue to pursue and expand their mission in their communities.
Launched in 2009 by Minnesota Community Foundation, GiveMN is supported by many generous foundation and corporate partners, contributions from individual donors, and revenue from its programs.
