Today's speaker was Shane Johnson, Program Manager for the Ralph Reeder Food Shelf, located in New Brighton. Shane is relatively new to his position, having worked in other non-profit organizations, including a food bank in the Boston area. Shane pointed out that our local Ralph Reeder organization is quite unique in that it falls under the Mounds View School District, specifically within the Districts Community Education Program. It is part of our District mission to ensure that students have what they need to learn (i.e. not lacking necessary nutrition). The Ralph Reeder organization has other programs in addition to running a food shelf for school district residents facing food insecurity. They provide school supplies when needed, vouchers for household and clothing items and a toy shop for children at Christmas. In our community, the need for this food program has more than doubled in the last 5 years and has increased 34% in the last 3 years. It is made possible by over 100 regular volunteers. Shane is one of only two paid employees. Nearly all of the funding comes from individual and corporate donations of cash and food items. The school district does not provide funding but does provide critical infrastructure support (such as with IT and HR needs).