Bountiful Basket Food Shelf has announced the addition of a new refrigerated truck to its operations, made possible through a grant from Lions Club International Foundation (LCIF) and the combined support of five local Lions Clubs: Chaska, Carver, Victoria, Chanhassen and Cologne. The $66,784 grant will significantly expand Bountiful Basket’s capacity to serve food-insecure individuals and families throughout Carver County and beyond.
According to a press release from Bountiful Basket, the addition of the refrigerated truck is a pivotal asset as Bountiful Basket Food Shelf continues to grow and evolve in response to increasing community needs. The truck will allow the organization to deliver fresh, nutritious food to under-served areas and individuals, expand mobile food programs, and increase the reach of food rescue efforts.
“Thanks to the unwavering support of the Lions Clubs, this refrigerated truck represents a monumental step forward in our mission to nourish neighbors, inspire hope and support families on their road to self-sufficiency,” said Patti Sinykin, executive director of Bountiful Basket Food Shelf. “As the landscape for food insecurity changes and grows, this truck will allow us to continue to dream big as we reach more people and rescue more food, all with greater efficiency.”
To celebrate this milestone, Bountiful Basket Food Shelf hosted a Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony on Dec. 20. The event honored the Lions Clubs for their support while showcasing the expanded efforts to combat hunger made possible by this new resource.
The Lions Clubs have been long-standing supporters of Bountiful Basket Food Shelf. Their collaboration exemplifies their shared commitment to alleviating hunger and improving the quality of life for residents in Carver County, said Sinykin.
This new addition comes at a crucial time. With food insecurity on the rise, Bountiful Basket saw a 72% increase in service demand, serving over 9,615 individuals last year and distributing more than 1,255,733 pounds of food – the equivalent of 1,046,444 meals. Last year, Bountiful Basket Food Shelf also rescued 494,861 pounds of nutritious food from local groceries stores that would otherwise go to waste and looks forward to additional opportunities going forward.
Bountiful Basket Food Shelf is a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing food insecurity in Carver County. Through innovative programs, strong partnerships and a dignified approach, the organization provides free, healthy and culturally appropriate food to individuals and families in need.
LCIF is the charitable arm of Lions Clubs International, the largest service club organization in the world. LCIF supports the compassionate humanitarian service of Lions Clubs worldwide, helping communities address critical needs such as hunger, vision care, disaster relief and youth programs.
