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News Release
March 1, 2023
For more information, please contact:
Meg Louwagie
United Way of Southwest Minnesota
507-929-2273 or Meg.Louwagie@unitedwayswmn.org
United Way of Southwest Minnesota participates in Culturally Relevant Food Drive
United Way of Southwest Minnesota (UWSWMN) invites you to participate in its first-ever culturally relevant food drive during Foodshare month for Staples, Sauces, and Spices to Support Food Shelves Serving a Variety of Cultures.
According to Hunger Solutions, Minnesotans visited more than 5.5 million food shelves in 2022. For immigrants, refugees, and Communities of Color who disproportionately rely on food shelves, it's challenging to find food they are accustomed to eating and food that represents their cultures and preferences. One of the main barriers to using food shelves among people who seek support is inaccessibility to familiar foods they know how to cook.
"Food is one of the many ways we celebrate important cultural traditions," said Meg Louwagie, CEO of UWSWMN. "Through our 'Flavors of Our Community' program, we are asking volunteers to donate items that reflect the diversity of our region."
UWSWMN aims to engage volunteers to donate supplies that will supplement what is available from our nonprofit partners that offer food shelf services. The requested items contain essential items for the diverse cultures we have in our area.
To participate, go to https://www.signupgenius.com/go/904094CA9AE2EA2F49-flavors, select the items you want to donate, and drop them off at the UWSWMN office at 800 E Main Street, Marshall, MN 56258. The food drive runs from March 1st to March 31st.
For more information about the work of your local United Way, please visit UnitedWaySWMN.org.
United Way of Southwest Minnesota is an autonomous, local organization working to create lasting change in people's lives and the communities we serve in Lincoln, Lyon, Murray, Yellow Medicine, and portions of Cottonwood, Lac qui Parle, Nobles, and Redwood counties of Minnesota.