The Twin Cities Salvation Army is launching its third annual “2 Million Pounds” food drive Wednesday, with the goal of restocking its nine metro area food shelves. Last year, The Salvation Army's record-breaking food drive collected the equivalent of 2.2 million pounds of food, believed to be the single largest Twin Cities food drive on record.
This year, the food drive is even more critical for Minnesotans struggling with hunger. A record 5.5 million people visited a Minnesota food shelf last year—which is 1.7 million more than the previous record in 2020, during the peak of the pandemic.1
Most agree that the surge in demand for food is due to the rapid increase in food costs. The U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee recently reported that since January 2021, the average Minnesota household is spending $818 more per month as a result of inflation.2
“Reports show that two-thirds of Americans are living paycheck-to-paycheck,” said Lt. Colonel Dan Jennings, Salvation Army Northern Division commander. “When you add price increases like we’ve seen, it results in a 30%-50% increase in demand for our services. That’s why this food drive is so important.”
The food drive will run March 1-31, and there over 100 convenient drop-off locations in the Twin Cities metro area. People can donate unexpired non-perishable foods at any participating Cub stores, SPIRE Credit Unions, Slumberland Stores, Morrie’s Auto Group locations, Salvation Army Family Stores, and Schuler Shoes stores.
At the peak of the pandemic , The Salvation Army Northern Division distributed nearly 5.3 million meals to families, but with record high food prices in 2023, they expect demand at their food shelves to be even greater.
“Our most urgent need today is keeping Minnesota families fed,” said Lt. Colonel Dan Jennings, Salvation Army Northern Division commander. “With your help, we hope to exceed last year's food drive total, because there are hundreds of thousands of hungry Minnesotans depending on us for assistance."
By collecting 2 million pounds of food, The Salvation Army will be able to provide another 1.2 million meals to those struggling with hunger insecurity. In addition, individuals or organizations can host their own food drive with a provided starter kit; visit 2MillionPounds.org to find out how.
The food drive will culminate in a community-wide drive-through collection on Saturday, April 1, when food drive partners and individuals can drop off their collections at Salvation Army Headquarters in Roseville. For a list of suggested food items, to start your own food drive, to volunteer, to make a financial gift, or for more information, visit 2MillionPounds.org.
Interviews with Salvation Army leaders and partners are possible; please contact Dan Furry at the contact options listed above.
2 www.jec.senate.gov/public/
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The Salvation Army Northern Division last year helped 300,000 people overcome poverty, addiction and economic hardship through a range of social services, meeting human needs without discrimination. This year, new struggles caused by food shortages, inflation, increased energy costs and the threat of eviction have elevated the numbers of those seeking assistance.
By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army Northern Division is #DoingTheMostGood at 77 operation centers in Minnesota and North Dakota. For more information about The Salvation Army Northern Division, please visit SalvationArmyNorth.org.
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