Club Meeting - June 2

Today's speaker was Lisa Baker from our local Ralph Reeder Food Shelf, which - organizationally - is part of the Community Education department of Mounds View Public Schools.  This organization has been around for 30 years.  Lisa has been part of the operation for 16 years.  Currently, it is housed at the Pike Lake Education Center in New Brighton.  It serves individuals residing within the borders of the Mounds View School District.  Amazingly, that has meant 17,000 people per year acquiring 34,000 lbs. of food per month.  Though it may not be visible to us, suburban poverty has been increasing more rapidly than within the inner city.  This service is set up like a grocery store and is therefore considered a "client choice" model.  Individuals can visit once per month and are allowed 30 lbs. of food per person.  The store stocks non-perishable foods plus a selection of frozen meats.  They also meet seasonal needs such as school supplies in the fall and toys during the holiday season.  Lisa reported that canned fruit is the #1 item they have trouble staying adequately stocked with.  The Community Gardens we heard about recently from Greg Herder, Service Learning Coordinator for the MV Schools has also been helpful in providing fresh vegetables for the food shelf.