Two million pounds: The Salvation Army launches massive Twin Cities food drive
The Salvation Army has launched the largest food drive we’ve ever held in the Twin Cities, with the goal of gathering 2 million pounds of food during the month of March. Read press release.
This historic food drive is necessary because our community is struggling like never before: More than 460,000 Minnesotans not getting enough to eat as the pandemic rages on.
That includes people like Maryanne, a St. Paul resident who is the primary caregiver for her boyfriend, a disabled vet. She is among hundreds – sometimes thousands – of people who receive food at the West 7th Salvation Army in St. Paul every week. (See Maryanne in the video at bottom.)
“Ever since the pandemic started, I’ve never seen so many people come to The Salvation Army for help,” Maryanne said. “People here are losing their jobs. (The pandemic) has taken a toll on everybody.”
The Salvation Army operates seven food shelves in the Twin Cities, all of which have been strained by skyrocketing demand. An infusion of 2 million pounds of food – equal to about 50 semi-loads – would provide 1.2 million meals, ensuring that families continue to receive the food they need.
“We expect to serve even more people in 2021, but we can’t do it alone,” said Lt. Col. Dan Jennings, leader of The Salvation Army Northern Division. “It takes all of us to meet the needs of our community. It takes an Army.”
Get Involved
You can help The Salvation Army raise 2 million pounds of food by donating nonperishables, hosting a food drive, giving a cash donation, or volunteering.
Donate food: Drop off nonperishable foods at any SPIRE Credit Union, Morrie’s Auto Dealer, Cub, or Salvation Army Store location in the Twin Cities March 1-26.
Host a food drive: Collect nonperishable foods at your organization now through March 26. We will send you a Food Drive Starter Kit that includes promotional materials for you to print off or post on your website and social media. When you’ve finished your collection, bring your food to Salvation Army headquarters in Roseville on Saturday, March 27 for a special contactless, drive-thru weigh-in event. Sign up today at 2millionounds.org.
Give a cash donation: Help us feed hungry families by giving online at 2millionpounds.org. Every $150 you give equals about 120 pounds of food.
Volunteer: Got extra time? Help us unload delivery vehicles, weigh food, stock shelves, and more. Sign up to volunteer.
Video
Watch the video below for an inside look at our busiest food shelf – the West 7th Salvation Army in St. Paul. Your donations will support this location and other Salvation Army food shelves in the Twin Cities.
Media coverage
It takes an Army of community support to raise 2 million pounds of food – including help from the Twin Cities media. Below is a small sampling of the many local newspapers and TV stations that are helping The Salvation Army get the word out about the food drive.
- Star Tribune story about the growing need for food in Minnesota.
- KSTP Channel 5 story about Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer donating to the food drive.
- Pioneer Press story about our food drive.
- WCCO Channel 4 story about the need for donations.