The most elemental act of human kindness is this: giving food to those most in need of it.
PROP Food Shelf gives shape to that kindness right here in Eden Prairie. It provides nourishment to our neighbors experiencing food insecurity, as well as employment assistance, short-term emergency financial assistance, on-site mental health counseling, financial literacy mentoring, and nutritional and wellness coaching.
“Sadly, the community’s need for PROP Food Shelf only appears to be growing,” said Jenifer Loon, executive director. “We served 5,164 individuals during our previous fiscal year: a 63 percent escalation over two years prior. We’re on track to serve over 500 additional clients during this year as well.
“This month, PROP Food Shelf is asking the community to share their love for our neighbors in need. Every dollar given to PROP from July 1st to 31st will be proportionally matched by the Open Your Heart to the Hungry and Homeless Foundation, which partners with organizations serving Minnesotans in need of life’s most basic necessities: food, shelter, and safety. The Open Your Heart Summer Challenge campaign amplifies the direct good your tax-deductible cash donation can do for our community!
“This boost could not be more opportunely timed. July is one of PROP Food Shelf’s busiest months, largely because school breakfasts and lunches are no longer taking pressure off families’ grocery budgets.
“We are always grateful for food donations, such as the 1,200 boxes of macaroni and cheese recently brought to us by a church group, but we also need the flexibility cash uniquely provides. For example, we recently served a client named Susan, who came to us after leaving an abusive relationship. She and her child with special needs had nowhere to stay. She did not know where to begin looking for a job. Susan visited the PROP Food Mart, and also received employment counseling, short-term financial aid, and other services we can only provide by virtue of our supporters’ generous cash donations.
“Susan and her child are now stable. She has an apartment, a good job, and a whole new outlook on life, and it is all thanks to a little bit of kindness.”
Cash donations to PROP Food Shelf are matched this July. Visit PROPFood.org today to donate!