Minnesotans have an opportunity to make a significant impact on food insecurity through the Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign.
Now in its 44th year, this statewide effort – which runs March 1 through April 6 – raises awareness of food insecurity while mobilizing organizations, businesses, faith communities and individuals to support more than 300 food shelves across the state.
A key component of this campaign is that all food and financial donations collected during the drive are proportionally matched, making contributions go even further to help those in need.
Local Need
Carver County’s Bountiful Basket Food Shelf has seen firsthand the growing demand for food assistance. In response, Bountiful Basket has increased operating capacity and expanded programming, including the opening of a second site in Cologne in 2023 and an off-site pantry at West Creek Apartments in 2024.
Additional mobile deliveries, dedicated programs for seniors, school snack and weekend food programs, foster care and immunization food bag initiatives with the county, and other community-focused efforts have contributed to a remarkable 72% increase in individuals served last year and a 226% increase in individuals served since 2022.
Today, Bountiful Basket Food Shelves serve approximately 1,000 families every month.
The demand for food assistance is not unique to Carver County and surrounding areas. Across Minnesota, food insecurity is rising at an unprecedented rate.
Feeding America reports that 537,890 Minnesotans, including 34% under the age of 18, are struggling with hunger. In 2024, food shelves across the state recorded a historic 9 million visits — a 20% increase from 2023 and a 150% jump compared to pre-pandemic levels.
“The need has never been greater, but neither has the generosity of our community,” says Patti Sinykin, Bountiful Basket Food Shelf executive director. “With the Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign, we have a unique opportunity to maximize donations and make a tangible difference for families facing food insecurity.”
How to Get Involved
Bountiful Basket Food Shelf is asking the community to participate in the March campaign in several ways:
- Donate Funds – Thanks to its buying power, Bountiful Basket can stretch every dollar up to 10 times its value on food purchases. Donations can be made online.
- Donate Food – Community members are encouraged to contribute non-perishable food items. A list of current needs is available on Bountiful Basket’s website.
- Host a Food or Fund Drive – Businesses, faith groups, schools and individuals can organize food and fund drives to support the campaign. Food/Fund drives provide both the necessary resources for our neighbors as well as create greater community awareness.
- Donate a Silent Auction Item – Now in its second year, Bountiful Basket is hosting an online silent auction to support its efforts. To donate an item, contact patti@bountifulbasketfoodshelf.org. Be sure to check the Bountiful Basket Website to bid on items from March 13-20.
If you have questions and would like to get involved, please contact patti@bountifulbasketfoodshelf.org. To learn more about Bountiful Basket Food Shelf, visit www.bountifulbasketfoodshelf.org. To learn more about the MN FoodShare March campaign, visit https://gmcc.org/march-campaign/.
