Needy families in hunt for food through Channel One

In Minnesota, 1 out of 10 people are hungry, according to Virginia Merritt, executive director of Channel One Regional Food Bank.
That's why food banks like Channel One are so important.
In the middle of November, the regional food bank began its 2018 Holiday Campaign, with a objective of raising $180,000 this holiday season, a press release stated.
Merritt explained that one of the main reasons for having the campaign is because food is an important part of many holidays, and unfortunately across the state, including in Steele County, people are going hungry.
Through the campaign they hope to eliminate as much of this as possible.
“Everyone has holiday memories that they’ll never forget. Not everyone has a way to put food on their table. We can change that. Let’s make memorable meals this holiday season,” Merritt said.
One of the good things about donating to Channel One is the fact that they are able to purchase a much greater amount of food than the average person could at the grocery store for the same amount of money.
“As a food bank, Channel One is able to make each dollar go further than it could on an average trip to the grocery store. A $10 donation can provide access to 40 meals,” the press release explained.
Through donations made to Channel One, people will directly be able to help people in the community they live in which could include their neighbors, friends, colleagues and others.
How it works is Channel One is able to buy food for a very reduced rate from retailers or able to get food donations for free.
In return they are able to either sell the food directly to different food shelves and backpack programs for a very minimal price and in some cases are able to donate the food for free.
One of the ways that the different food banks across the state are able to balance out where different produce goes to is by having a mixing center in the cities where they bring up the produce to. There it is sorted and divided up for the different food banks and from there the food banks deliver them to different locations.
For Channel One that means they deliver produce to 14 different counties that they service, including Steele County.
With that being said, there are costs that come with providing the different area food shelves and programs with food, many costs which have increased over the years, including transportation costs.
Merritt explained that they hope that people will be thinking of all their blessings this holiday season and will be generous in their giving to Channel One this year as they have in the past, in order for them to reach their goal this holiday season.
“We will get there but we need everyone’s help,” Merritt said.
To give, visit the Channel One website at helpingfeedpeople.org or simply text FEEDPEOPLE to 243725.