(KNSI) – Catholic Charities and Hunger Solutions Minnesota are challenging you to help the St. Cloud food shelf in a time of great need.

With school out, children don’t have access to free or reduced lunches. Their families typically turn to the food shelf to help until classes are back in session.

Catholic Charities Emergency Services Program Manager Sue Hanks says she expects 2022 to be worse. “This summer, between the kids being home from school and more families experiencing economic hardship due to inflation, soaring food and gas prices, and the impacts of expiring Covid-19 pandemic relief programs, we are seeing a greater level of need.”

Hunger Solutions’ Open Your Heart to the Hungry and Homeless will be matching donations to the food shelf through July, up to $4,000 per gift. The goal is to help food shelves restock fresh and frozen foods.

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