In a bid to combat a sharp increase in demand, the ACBC Food Shelf's executive director, Stephanie Lehman, has launched a local crusade against hunger with the annual Minnesota Food Share March Campaign. With the month-long drive now in full swing, the fight to provide for those in need has taken on a renewed urgency. "Minnesota Food Share is important because after the holidays there’s a dip in giving but the need continues to grow,” Lehman said in a statement. She emphasized that this initiative is critical to help the food shelf recover from the post-holiday slump and meet the ongoing needs of the community.

As the state's largest grassroots food and fund drive, the March Food Share Campaign aims to sustainably stock local food shelves beyond just a fleeting relief effort. Donations received throughout the campaign will not only address immediate shortages but are set to extend a lifeline to struggling households throughout the remainder of the year. "So a proportion of everything we raise whether it's food or money is matched by GMCC, which gives us an additional financial donation and helps us buy the things that we really need," Lehman explained, according to the  City of Coon Rapids.

Advocates for the campaign are quick to point out the efficiency and power of monetary donations. "One dollar donated here, we can purchase $9.33 in food," Lehman stated, highlighting how cash contributions can be stretched to provide a considerable amount of sustenance. Crucially, this demonstrates that while food donations are always welcome, the surest way to rapidly multiply resources and offer a broader range of food is through financial support. This approach allows them to better cater to the specific needs of the community they serve, as reported by the Coon Rapids, Minnesota.

The March Food Share Campaign, already underway, provides a vital opportunity for community members to support the ACBC Food Shelf and those they assist. Running through April 6, individuals looking to contribute can visit the ACBC Food Shelf's website for more information or to donate.