SAINT PAUL, Minn. – On Wednesday, November 19, Rep. Cheryl Youakim (DFL – Hopkins) and Rep. Larry Kraft (DFL – St. Louis Park) will host a Holiday Food Drive in support of the St. Louis Park Emergency Program (STEP). Area residents are invited to bring donations of nonperishable food items to the St. Louis Park Rec Center from 4 to 6 p.m. With the holiday season creating additional financial stress for families, along with delays and uncertainty surrounding federal SNAP payments, the legislators are encouraging community members to donate to prevent neighbors from experiencing hunger.
“This is a particularly challenging time for families to put food on the table, and food shelf programs like STEP are seeing their resources rapidly stretched,” said Rep. Youakim. “Donations – whether food items or financial gifts – can make a big impact in the lives of families in our community. I hope residents who can will step up and generously support STEP’s efforts and make sure no one goes hungry this holiday season.”
“One in nine Minnesotans doesn’t know where their next meal is coming from. While we’ve made progress supporting food shelves and free school meals, we know Minnesotans are facing uncertainty this holiday season,” said Rep. Kraft. “Together, we can make sure every family in our community has enough to eat and no one is left behind this holiday season.”
In November, STEP provides recipients with a comprehensive list of both regular and holiday foods, as well as non-food essentials. The types of items STEP is generally unable to get at bulk prices include rice, canned vegetables and fruit, canned meat (tuna and chicken), jelly, cereals, dessert mixes, cooking oil, sugar, flour, and herbs and spices.
Community members are also invited to make financial donations to STEP by visiting bit.ly/stepdonate or by mailing a check made out to STEP to 6812 West Lake St., St. Louis Park, MN 55426.
Area residents who may need assistance with food are encouraged to call STEP at 952-925-4899 during business hours to set up an appointment to pick up food. Anyone is eligible to access food from STEP.
WHAT: Holiday Food Drive
WHO: Rep. Cheryl Youakim, Rep. Larry Kraft, St. Louis Park Emergency Program
WHERE: St. Louis Park Rec Center Parking Lot, 3700 Monterey Dr., St. Louis Park, 55416
WHEN: Wednesday, November 19; 4 to 6 p.m.