Four southwest metro communities are participating in a food shelf donation challenge as part of this year’s “Night to Unite” festivities Aug. 5.

In a first-of-its-kind competition for bragging rights, Chanhassen, Chaska, Carver and Victoria are facing off to see which city gathers the most food and financial donations to benefit the Bountiful Basket Food Shelf.

Bountiful Basket has served the four communities and the surrounding area for 15 years, helping people and families with hunger relief. According to 2024 statistics, about 9,600 people were served through the food shelf, with more than 3,000 pounds of food distributed every day.

According to Patti Sinykin, Bountiful Basket’s executive director, for many years Chaska has conducted a food drive as part of its “Night to Unite” neighborhood gatherings – an effort to promote crime prevention and neighborliness across the city.

But this year, the Chaska Fire Department and Chanhassen Fire Department decided to up the ante and unite in the fight against hunger. The idea continued to spread from there.

“As we all know, a little friendly competition is contagious,” Sinykin said. “Before long, all four Eastern Carver County cities were on board and challenging each other. Hopefully this will be a first annual competition.”

Sarah Cody, Chaska firefighter/EMT and administrative assistant, said the Chaska Police Department has collected food during the “Night to Unite” evening for several years. Various neighborhoods have competed to see who could collect the most donations, with the winning neighborhood receiving a special food party. This year’s winning neighborhood will receive a free Jersey Mike’s sub sandwich party, courtesy of the local restaurant’s generous donation.

This year, the local fire departments have taken it upon themselves to spread the food drive effort beyond Chaska, Cody said.

“We meet regularly to talk about what we are doing for our communities and bounce ideas back and forth,” she said. “We are all about giving back to our community. So, what better way than to do a friendly competition and invite a couple other cities to join in on the fun? We have had a lot of people help get us to this point of the competition.”

Daisy Anderson, Chanhassen firefighter and community risk reduction specialist, reported that the department has shifted its food drive, typically conducted during its annual open house, to “Night to Unite” instead. And the firefighters are ready to win bragging rights, she said.

“Fire departments are used to working together for the greater good, so if a little friendly competition helps inspire people to donate, I’m sure we will be pleased with the outcome,” Anderson said.

According to Anderson, 9.5% of households in Minnesota are food insecure and will struggle to find enough food.

“This equates to one in 10 households, many with children,” she said. 

 Sinykin added that the summer months can be a particular challenge for local families.

“Demand for food assistance has significantly increased over the past several years, and the summer months are always some of our busiest,” she said. “With kids out of school and not receiving free meals, many families experience additional stress and strain. Also, summer is typically a time when food drive donations drop significantly. That’s why efforts like this ‘Night to Unite’ challenge are so important.”

According to “Night to Unite” numbers so far, the Chaska Fire and Chaska Police will be visiting about 44 block parties on Aug. 5. Chanhassen has 26 parties so far collecting food donations.

“We are extremely excited and grateful for the community support and enthusiasm,” Sinykin said. “We’re fortunate to serve — and be supported by — such a generous community that understands the importance of coming together, caring for neighbors, and giving back.”

Bountiful Basket current needs include:

• Spaghetti Sauce & Pasta
• Canned Tuna & Salmon
• Canned Pineapple & Mandarin Oranges
• Canned Mixed Vegetables
• Canned Black & Pinto Beans
• White & Brown Rice
• Instant Rice
• Snacks
• Cooking Spices
• Cooking Oil
• Cereal
• Crackers
• Mayonnaise
• Flour and Sugar
• Baking Mixes
• Toilet Paper
• Diapers (Any Size)

For additional information, visit the Bountiful Basket website: https://bountifulbasketfoodshelf.org/donate-food/.