Walker Area Food Shelf Records Busiest Month in History
The Walker Area Food Shelf saw virtually every recorded metric reach new heights, as August marks their most productive month in History. The WAFS provided assistance for 1,172 family members in need – that’s more than the entire population of Walker who requested assistance last month. Almost 30,000 pounds of food was purchased, donated, and distributed last month. But why are these numbers so high? We asked Food Shelf Director Chad Trapier and this is what he said,
“Last Tuesday I listened to a woman apologize for visiting the Food Shelf twice in one month. She said her and her husband were on a fixed income and they really need help because they’re driving to the doctors more frequently, need new medications, etc. She apologized to me because her ‘situation was never going to change’ – that’s what she said. She about cried when I told her she could come every week.” He continued with another story,
“I remember a man who came in for the first time ever and said he thought he would never have to use ‘it’ – the Food Shelf. He couldn’t bring himself to say Food Shelf – and that’s fine, he doesn’t have to… But my point is… we are seeing the increase because people have no other choice, truly, they need our help and they’re swallowing all the pride they have to ask for it.”
The Walker Area Food Shelf is also seeing an increase in new families that reside outside of Walker city limits. “Families are telling us that their local food shelf limits how often they can visit per month or they aren’t getting an adequate supply to meet their needs as a family.” Says Director Chad Trapier, “We aren’t taking a jab at other food shelves in the area – it’s something everyone is talking about at the state-level, it’s the reality.” Last month WAFS was invited by the Foundation For Essential Needs to speak to food shelf leaders across the state about what challenges they face and how they overcome these challenges to best serve the public.
The WAFS has recently extended hours and availability to accommodate the additional needs of the community. To view their new hours of operation go to www.Facebook.com/TheWalkerAreaFoodShelf. If you are interested in volunteering, visit their website www.WalkerAreaFoodShelf.com/volunteer/ to learn more or contact the Food Shelf directly at 218-547-1713. The Food Shelf is always recruiting volunteers and expresses a sincere need for additional support at this time.
The Walker Area Food Shelf will also be hosting a fundraising campaign to encourage recurring monthly donations in the coming months. $25 can feed at least 3 families for an entire week with discounts and purchasing power the Food Shelf has access to – every dollar makes a difference. If you are interested in donating or financially supporting the Food Shelf, you can send mail to P.O Box 1101 Walker, MN 56484 or donate via their website www.WalkerAreaFoodShelf.com/Donate where you can make a one-time or recurring donation via Paypal from any debit or credit card.
With winter months are coming and even more families are expected to need assistance this year, anyone interested in learning more or supporting the food shelf is encouraged to visit their website or call 218-547-1713.