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Record numbers of families struggle with hunger due to inflation

The Albert Lea Salvation Army is launching its annual food drive on Saturday with the goal of replenishing stock at the service center’s food shelf.

The food drive will run through April 6 with convenient food donation drop-off at the Corps location, 302 Court St., or the thrift store at 416 Bridge Ave. in Albert Lea.

People can donate unexpired non-perishable foods at the Corps from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the thrift store.

This year, the food drive is even more critical for Minnesotans struggling with hunger. A record 9 million people visited a Minnesota food shelf last year —nearly 20% more than the previous record set in 2023, and a 150% increase since 2021.

“Studies show that nearly two-thirds of Americans report living paycheck-to-paycheck,” said Lt. Colonel Randall Polsley, Salvation Army Northern Division commander.

“The challenge people face is that inflationary prices are not receding and, in fact, are still rising at a modest rate. Demand for services at our food pantries remains immensely high, which is why this food drive is so vitally important.”

Most agree that the surge in food insecurity is due to the recent increases in food, rent and energy costs.

The U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee recently reported that since January 2021, the average Minnesota household is spending over $1,200 more per month as a result of inflation.

“Certainly, rising costs create challenges for Minnesota families, but it also means that purchases we make for our food shelves are also costing more,” said Capt. Marie Lewis, Corps officer in Albert Lea.

“Food costs have risen more than 140% since the start of the pandemic in 2020, so the more food we can collect, the more families we can assist.”

Last year, The Salvation Army in Minnesota provided 3 million meals through its food shelves and feeding programs.

“Our most urgent need today is keeping Minnesota families fed,” Lewis said. “With the community’s help, we hope to collect enough food to help the hundreds of thousands of hungry Minnesotans depending on us for assistance.”

This year’s goal is to collect enough food and donations to provide 200,000 meals. Individuals and organizations are encouraged to host their own food drive; for a list of suggested food items, to volunteer, to make a financial gift or for more information, call Amber Larsen at 507-373-8776.