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The Murray County Dairy Association donated 720 lbs. of butter to local organizations. The following organizations were represented: Murray County Food Shelf, Murray County Christmas Project, Hospice of Murray County, Murray County Dairy Association and Fulda Food Shelf. Pictured: L to R: Haley Rhode, Weston Hill, Mary Baune, Dave Schwartz, Bon Friesen, Tim Lange, Bob Koehler, Leroy Prahm and Matti Boomgaarden. Donating butter were the following groups/people: Murray County Dairy Association, Sanborn Creamery (AMPI), Scott DeJohng (AMPI) milk hauler, Bruce Iverson American Breeder Service, Darin Hottermann AMPI Field Service, Cal Schaap’s Milk Hauling AMPI, Chandler Feed and Jasper Soy Processors, LLC.
By Crystal Reith Food shelves in Fulda and Slayton continue to serve local families with the help of dedicated volunteers, generous donors and a mission rooted in dignity and compassion.
The Fulda Food Shelf, founded in 1985, is located in the north corner of St. Gabriel’s school. Hours vary to accommodate a variety of work schedules. The food shelf is open the first and second Monday of the month from 10 to 11 a.m., the third Monday of the month from 2 to 3 p.m. and the fourth Monday of the month from 6 to 7 p.m.
“The food shelf accepts donations year round,” said Leann Zins Enninga, the Fulda Food Shelf secretary/treasurer. “While canned goods are appreciated, items most helpful tend to be staples like flour, sugar, syrup, pasta, coffee and baking supplies. Personal hygiene and cleaning products are also needed.”
With access to refrigeration, the Fulda Food Shelf can also accept donations of meat and eggs. Financial donations are appreciated and used to purchase food through the Second Harvest Food Bank, with some items coming through The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), or towards vouchers that can be used at Maynard’s in Fulda.
“The vouchers are positive because we are supporting a local store and people can get the things they might need that are not at the food shelf,” said Enninga, who also writes grants to supplement the food shelf. “Anyone who needs food can come to get food.”
The Fulda Food Shelf doesn’t have any eligibility requirements and patrons are asked minimal questions.
“We do not discriminate against anyone,” said Enninga. “Our job isn’t to judge other people. Our job is to give out food.”
Enninga noted that the community has been very generous and kind as they have stepped up to support the food shelf, through both donations and volunteer hours. The Fulda Food Shelf operates with dedicated volunteers and seven board members.
“I am truly humbled by the support we’ve gotten from the community,” she said. “It’s important to support the local food shelf because these are your neighbors. People who live around you and you might not know if they need something, but by giving to the food shelf, they are able to access what they need in a dignified manner.”
Donations may be brought directly to the food shelf or placed at several area churches. Arrangements can be made for drop-offs outside normal hours.
The Murray County Food Shelf has been in operation since 1984 and is currently located at 2989 Maple Road in Slayton. The food shelf is open Thursdays from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
With 10 board members and about 30 volunteers, the Murray County Food Shelf serves households who meet income requirements according to the Minnesota statute which allows eligible residents to access the food shelf regardless of their address.
To receive services at the Slayton location, individuals need to complete a TEFAP form annually attesting to income qualification.
“We encourage recipients to bring reusable bags or boxes,” said Laurie Jensen, treasurer and board member of the Murray County Food Shelf. “Clients may come once a month. If there is an urgent need for support, a board member can assist them off-hours.”
Designated as a SuperShelf, the Murray County Food Shelf provides a client-centered, grocery-style experience that provides households access to a variety of healthy food. The food shelf offers meat, eggs, bread, fresh produce, canned and frozen goods, personal hygiene items and diapers.
“Murray County has a lot of people who need and appreciate the assistance the food shelf gives them to prevent hunger,” said Jensen. “Although we appreciate any monetary and food donations, we can also use diapers, baby wipes, personal hygiene products and items for birthday bags.”
Food donations can be dropped off at the food shelf on Thursdays during their hours of operation or could be donated through churches or food drives conducted through area businesses.
“There is very good support in Murray County for the food shelf. Without our donors, we could not provide the amount or variety of food we do. Local support is key to our success,” Jensen said. “Our goal is to eliminate food insecurity and hunger in Murray County, and to do it with dignity and compassion.”
