Food Shelf Facelift

In response to a funding request for physical improvements to our food shelf, IOCP has received $9,096 from Wells Fargo Foundation Minnesota. The money will be used 3 ways:

1. To purchase a 2-door upright cooler, which will increase IOCP’s capacity to provide more perishable food products for families being served.
2. To insulate an annex added in 2007 to increase food storage space, which will increase IOCP’s capacity to store food throughout the year while addressing food safety concerns.
3. To make safety upgrades to the concrete backwalk near the entrance, to prepare for proper drainage and new asphalt, and to purchase and install a new garage door.

Since 1990, the need for food in our service area has increased while our physical capacity to meet the need has declined. In 2008, IOCP distributed more than 750,000 lbs. of food—8 times the original distribution level in the current facility.

Physical modifications will begin immediately. Food shelf hours of operation will continue as usual: Monday (4–6 p.m.), Wednesday (9 a.m.–noon; 4-6 p.m.), Friday (9 a.m.–noon).

Susan Fetterer, director of volunteers, describes IOCP’s food shelf as “a warehouse operation out of a one-car garage.” The building that houses the food shelf was built in 1954 as a convent at St. Bartholomew Catholic Community, then moved to IOCP’s current location in 1989 after the church donated the structure.

For more information, contact Susan Fetterer.