The Douglas County Outreach Food Shelf is facing a unique situation right now: an overabundance of food.
During these uncertain times of the coronavirus and an economic downturn, the food shelf was bracing for more use. But that hasn’t been the case, according to Vicki Bump, executive director.
“The food shelf is open every day and we have plenty of food but we’re not getting as many clients lately,” Bump said.
The food shelf has taken steps to make sure food delivery is safe and convenient, Bump said. People don’t even have to leave their vehicles. They can call in an order and the food shelf will pack the food in boxes. When people come to pick the items up, food shelf workers will place the boxes right in the trunk of their vehicles.
They don’t even have to sign any papers. Those who want to use the food shelf only have to call 320-762-8411 during the food shelf’s regular operating hours and they’ll receive help and instructions.
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“We know that people are being told to stay at home but they can still go to the grocery store or the food shelf,” Bump noted.
The food shelf hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesday through Thursday, and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Fridays. The food shelf is closed on the weekends.
The food shelf is also placing food in front of the United Way office at 503 Hawthorne Street.
