How To Feed Our Kids During The Minnesota State Shutdown?

Online, July 9, 2011 (Newswire.com) - Feed Our Kids

WHAT?
PRISM's 1st Annual Summer Food Drive

WHEN?
Thursday, July 14, 2011 - 3:30 to 6 PM

WHERE?
People Responding In Social Ministry (PRISM)
730 Florida Avenue South, Golden Valley, MN 55426

What's the story?

Even during a normal summer break from school it's a challenge to feed our kids. Our economic challenges we've faced for these last several years has resulted in more families struggling to make ends meet. The current Minnesota government shutdown has further exacerbated the shortage of food for kids in need.

Here in the Twin Cities, there are several programs the sole purpose of which is to provide families in need with food, financial assistance, transportation and other services. A brilliant example of these is PRISM (People Responding In Social Ministry) in the heart of western Twin Cities suburbia. "In addition to a 10 percent increase in food shelf clients over the past month, we are experiencing a donation slump," said Diane Erickson, PRISM volunteer and resource director. One way to counteract this problem is to reach out to our Twin Cities community and ask for help.

To that end, PRISM has joined forces with TwinWest Chamber of Commerce to offer Speed Networking For A Cause in conjunction with a 1st Annual Feed Our Kids Food Drive. PRISM is reaching out to Twin Cities businesses as well as individuals. The more people who come to this event and bring just one food item the better they can help feed our kids.

What does this mean for your audience?

Any of us can fall on hard times at any given moment. The Twin Cities is renowned for standing together in adversity and every small donation makes a big difference. Use of PRISM's food shelf is up 20% over last year and the amount of food on the shelves is dwindling fast. PRISM serves over 600 families and about 1,650 individuals.

"That's the highest it's ever been for us," says Erickson. Furthermore, although area businesses have recently centralized on Second Harvest for food donations, PRISM must buy this food before they can sell it to their families. Donations are down, she says, and there no dollars to buy food right now.

Perishable food stuffs are something we all understand. Nobody wants to drink soured milk nor eat rancid meat. Perishables purchased from central food banks further reduces shelf life at PRISM. PRISM has increased donating to local pig farmers because much of the food they acquire cannot be sold to people.

Businesses can help by donating money or items. Everybody can help by donating simple items they have at home.

The most needed food items are:
Cereal
Juice
Baked (pork & beans) beans
Macaroni & cheese
Ramen noodles
Canned pasta

The most needed non-food items are:
Shampoo
Conditioner
Toothpaste
Toothbrushes
Deodorant

For more information, see our Facebook page: http://facebook.com/FeedOurKids

Or call PRISM directly at 763-529-1350; Monica Treviño, Director of Operations and Donor Relations will be happy to fill you in.