March is Minnesota FoodShare Month, an important time of year for food shelves across the state. They are busy collecting donations of goods and cash for the busy months ahead.
"This year we have seen a 40 percent drop in donations overall and we've purchased more than 400 percent food than normal, said Stephanie Lehman, ACBC Food Shelf Executive Director.
The food shelf is hoping to bring in 100,000 pounds of food and $100,000. So far, ACBC is under 60% of its food and money goal. But Lehman thinks it’s attainable with three weeks left in the drive.
"I think we are on target with where we were last year," Lehman said. "The problem is we are serving so many more families than last year so we are trying to build capacity and keep up with the demand of the community."
Adding to the demand is emergency SNAP benefits from the pandemic are ending. Also, with higher inflation, ACBC is planning on more people coming through its doors.
"They are predicting that for food shelves there will be a large surge of people coming in," Lehman said.
In addition to cash donations, ACBC is looking for non-perishable food items. The food shelf also encourages donations of diapers, baby-related items and feminine hygiene products. For more information, visit ACBCFoodShelf.com. The annual fundraising drive continues through April 9.