As the school year draws to a close in Eden Prairie and Chanhassen, PROP Food reports that many families will face higher grocery bills as their children no longer eat meals at school during the day.
PROP added that this rise in food costs could jeopardize the financial stability of already struggling families.
Last year, PROP Food Shelf responded to record demand, aiding 4,800 individuals and distributing more than 750,000 pounds of food. With summer approaching, the organization is preparing for an increased need for food and financial assistance.
Multiple ways are available to support PROP’s efforts.
‘Stamp Out Hunger’ food drive
The Eden Prairie Letter Carriers will conduct their annual “Stamp Out Hunger” food drive on Saturday, May 11.
Residents are encouraged to leave unopened, in-date, non-perishable food and personal care items by their mailboxes for collection. These items will be taken to PROP, where volunteers will organize and distribute them to clients of the PROP Food Mart.
‘Summer Food for Kids’ program
The “Summer Food for Kids” program is crucial to PROP’s summer assistance. It offers extra help to families with children up to 18 years old. In addition to regular food orders, families receive supplementary packs of nutritious, child-friendly food.
“We are so grateful to PROP’s Summer Food For Kids sponsors who make this vital program possible with their donations of food and funding,” said PROP Executive Director Jenifer Loon.
This year’s program sponsors include local businesses, faith groups, and individuals. Two couples have pledged to match financial donations up to $18,000. Donations can be made online on the PROP website.
‘Round Up for a Cause’ at Bachman’s
PROP is partnering with Bachman’s throughout May for the “Round Up for a Cause” event. Shoppers at the Eden Prairie store can round up their purchases to the nearest dollar, with proceeds benefiting PROP’s food shelf needs.
‘Nourish 360’
Loon expressed her thanks for the ongoing support of PROP’s mission by the entire community, including PROP’s “Nourish 360” monthly donors, who provide a consistent base of support to help PROP serve individuals and families in need each day. For more information on how to become a Nourish 360 donor, visit PROP’s website.
PROP Food Shelf, a 501(c)(3) organization, extends its services to Eden Prairie and Chanhassen residents, providing food aid and emergency short-term financial support.
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