The Fergus Falls Food Shelf is seeing a growing problem that seems to have no easy fix. A rapid increase in people using their services paired with fewer donations is putting a strain on their supply.
Chantel Borders of Rothsay says, "You gotta have food. You have to to survive."
It's grocery shopping day for Chantel.
Chantel says, "It's like Christmas!"
But she's not at the grocery store.
"It's not name brand, but it's something... Working part time at a gas station trying to make ends meet. That's tough," says Chantel.
So she went the Fergus Falls Food Food shelf.
Food Shelf Volunteer Coordinator, Lorna Fuglestad, says, "If we're busy, it means that people are struggling."
Hundreds of Valley families rely on the food they get at the food shelf. But it's getting tougher to keep up with demand.
Fuglestad says, "The last six months have been really heavy on demand." She adds they've seen about 30% more people coming in, asking for help... And at the same time... Less donations .
Fuglestad says, "Today we ran out of milk and eggs."
And for people like Chantel...
"I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to work much longer because of my pregnancy," says Chantel.
Who has the worry of providing for herself, and soon one more...
"One step at a time. I pray... I don't want nothing bad to happen," says Chantel.
Relying on the kindness and generosity of others who donate... Gives her hope.
The food shelf says besides the economy bringing in more people, they're seeing some of the biggest increases in college age people who cannot find jobs and elderly people who are living off fixed incomes. If you'd like to donate to the Fergus Falls Food Shelf, you can call (218) 739-2971
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