Lonsdale food distribution is open to area residents

Something that started as a good idea among a couple friends four years ago, has fast become a blessing for those needing a little more food than a paycheck can provide each month. Food From the Heart, a food distribution program in Lonsdale, got its start when friends Mary Jean Sirek and Judy Davis realized that not everyone in town was able to put wholesome food on the table each day. Rather than simply talk about it and go about their lives, they took action. They turned to the Triumphant Life Church Pastor at that time, Ron Mixer, and friend Lucy Kuchinka, to brainstorm a solution. Thats when discovered Channel One Regional Food Bank in Rochester, a non-profit organization and a certified member of Feeding America. 

The cohesive group worked to become a distribution site for the organization, and for the past four years, a truck trailer filled with a variety of food items is delivered to Triumphant Life Church, 221 2nd Ave. NW in Lonsdale, where it is distributed from 10 to 11:30 a.m. to anyone who needs and lives in the distribution area. This area includes those living in the City of Lonsdale, west to Montgomery (as far as Highway 13), Webster (as far east as State Hwy. 35), along with Kilkenny and Shieldsville (as far south as CR 38).

Although the food varies each month, a typical recipient will get a 40 lb. box filled with non-perishable canned goods, pasta, packaged cereals, cookies, crackers and juice. In addition, he or she will receive a bag of frozen meat, bread, fresh fruit and fresh vegetables more than one person can carry! And families are often provided with an additional food box to get them through the month.

Qualifying for the program is simple. All we need to see is a drivers license or some kind of identification with an address, like a utility bill once a year,Mary Jean stated. There are no financial requirements or forms to fill out each time. And its kept confidential extremely private.

Judy added that food can also be picked up for family or friends living outside the distribution area, as long as the person picking up the food has residency.

The Lonsdale program serves an average of 120 families and community members living on fixed incomes, or struggling to make ends meet. It is not affiliated with the Lonsdale Food Shelf, nor is it a county, state or federally funded organization. Channel One is the food bank serving Rice County. Food From the Heart is responsible for the upper northwest corner of Rice County.

To help with the program operate smoothly each month, 15 to 25 volunteers show up to bag produce and carry food boxes to vehicles. But before the craziness starts, Judy and Mary Jean welcome the volunteers with coffee, kolacky, and a word of thanks.

“We thank all the volunteers,Judy stated. We do this for the people we serve. Thank you from Food From the Heart.

The next food distribution date is Saturday, Nov. 8, from 10-11:30 a.m. For more information about the program or how to volunteer, contact Mary Jean at 507-744-2749.

 

 

 

Food From the Heart

Monthly Food Distribution

Where: Triumphant Life Church, 221 2nd Ave. NW, Lonsdale (behind the Post Office)

When: 2nd Saturday of each month; 10-11:30 a.m.

The next distribution is Saturday, Nov. 8

Bring: Identification (No income requirements)

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