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Message from Lyn Sahr-World Hunger Day

May 28, 2020

As we celebrate World Hunger Day today, it is hard not to reflect on the events across the nation in the recent week especially those in Minneapolis along with other large cities.  As you read this, we hope that you are taking care of yourself and your families during so many of these difficult times. Covid-19, and the tragedy of this week, is testing our community resilience and amplifying every issue our most vulnerable neighbors face.

The struggles with COVID-19 has also turned the world upside down in recent months including all those who have been in need in all of your community’s.  Over these past three months, we have suffered many food distribution cancellations, but we have also had many sites scheduling multiple distributions to assist and bring additional food into their community during this difficult time. 

Ruby’s Pantry is now in its 18th year of serving people through nutritious, healthy food shares that we receive from many major food manufacturers. We have continued to be blessed by our wonderful food manufacturers.  Just last month we served almost 25,000 families across just Minnesota and Wisconsin. All of this food was picked up from various food manufacturers, brought to one of our 2 warehouses, sorted and repacked and then trucked to over 80 Pop-Up Pantry sites.  It has not been an easy task, but with God’s help we have been able to continue to get it done with limited staff and the limited funds available.  

So, where do we go from here? How can you help? As we think about the continued food needs across our communities during World Hunger Day, we would love for you to consider a donation to Ruby’s Pantry.

With the expanded number of location’s, we are now serving, we are looking to add a new warehouse space in Northwest Minnesota, preferably in the Fergus Falls area.  It is a big investment to start a new operation.  A few months ago, I took a trip to Michigan to meet with some people and to look at facilities. We have also researched putting a warehouse along I-80 in Iowa. We found facilities in all locations, but the price is high, and opportunities are very limited. We would appreciate your prayers right now as we look for additional space in any of these locations right now.  Expanding Ruby’s Pantry into an additional warehouse would allowus to provide more food in additional communities.  But this will take a lot of cash to help us secure the right location.

In honor of World Hunger Day, please consider a donation to help families in your community who have a need for food today.  The demand for emergency food assistance has risen to historic levels. It is vital that we support access to food during this time.  To make a donation to Ruby’s Pantry, please mail a check to Ruby’s Pantry, 5833 Pecan Street, North Branch, Minnesota 55056 for any amount, or you can click the button below to Donate Now online.  You can also visit our website at anytime at www.rubyspantry.org and click the Donate button. 

Thank you in advance for your kind, generous donation.

Lyn Sahr
Founder and Executive Director