WDIO Updated: June 14, 2022 05:49 PM Created: June 14, 2022 04:47 PM

Inflation, gas prices, and the pandemic have pushed more people to the limit with finances. So more are showing up at food shelves.

CHUM has served more than 500 new people since March, but their donations are down by over 8,000 pounds.

For the first time, they are limiting how many boxes of food people can grab. It's just one per family, no matter how many people are in your family.

Food shelves are hurting as inflation and high prices put the pinch on donors, and cause even more need.

"It is a critical situation," shared Scott Van Daele, director of distributive services. And tough on people who just want to feed others.

"Every week I have to readjust of the list of what's getting packed into boxes. And that's sort of a hard thing to do with volunteers. And they're like, why? We're only giving away one can of, you know, vegetables instead of three. Or where's the macaroni and cheese this week?  Why haven't we had rice in three weeks? It's hard to answer those questions," Van Daele added.

They had a record breaking day last week at the food shelf at Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank.

Volunteers make sure it's a smooth and welcoming process. "The need is great. And we have a lot of new faces, asking how to use the food shelf," shared Dan Wilson, program director.

Sandy was driving through, and told us, "I'm a diabetic, so coming here really helps when I need fresh produce."

On this Tuesday, the Foundation For Essential Needs was doing a survey to find out how the system can be improved.

The Second Harvest Food Shelf is open on Tuesdays, 10-1:30pm, in a drive-through format.

https://northernlakesfoodbank.org/find-food/food-shelf-program/

CHUM will accept donations at their alley door, Monday-Friday, 8:30-12:30pm. 120 N. 1st Avenue West.

These are the most-needed items

•    Rice •    Canned Beef Stew •    Canned Pork and Beans •    Canned Baked Beans •    Spaghettios •    Canned Ravioli •    Canned Fruit       •    Cereal •    Canned Vegetables •    Canned Chicken Noodle Soup •    Canned Chunky Soups •    Spam •    Peanut Butter •    Macaroni and Cheese

The CHUM Food Shelf located at 120 N 1st Ave West is open Wednesdays and Fridays starting at 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. or supplies run out. The West Duluth Food Shelf at Our Saviors Lutheran Church on Grand is open Mondays from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. or until supplies run out. Please call 218-727-2391 to make sure they are open prior to coming. 

https://www.chumduluth.org/chumfoodshelf.htm

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