For the 68th straight year, the Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities will make sure thousands of families don’t spend Thanksgiving hungry — handing out 10,000 meals as need reaches record levels.
The annual Thanksgiving Grocery Bag Distribution will be held on Monday, and the annual Thanksgiving Day meal will be served on Thursday.
“We have seen community food and resource needs rise significantly over the last several months — especially with the pause in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits during the federal government shutdown,” said Pam Stegora Axberg, the CEO of the Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities. “This increased need is especially heartbreaking during the holidays. I’m looking forward to seeing our community come together to support their neighbors experiencing hunger and homelessness.”
The grocery bag distribution will be held from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 24, at the mission’s Men’s Campus at 435 E. University Ave. in St. Paul.
“This event helps families and individuals facing hardship enjoy a full Thanksgiving meal. With the help of more than 250 volunteers, UGMTC will pack and distribute 10,000 complete meals, including 2,000 frozen turkeys, 14,000 pounds of potatoes and a variety of canned and boxed items,” organizers said.
Related Articles
Q&A: St. Paul Police Chief Axel Henry, halfway through his term as ‘factory floor chief’
St. Paul’s first Thanksgiving 175 years ago lacked turkeys, but not booze
Maplewood gunman sentenced for shooting at car while kids cowered nearby
Metro Transit looking for a new police chief
St. Paul Council Member Johnson plans family leave to welcome first child
A Thanksgiving meal will be provided to visitors from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 27, at the St. Paul Men’s Campus.
“Dozens of volunteers will serve a traditional meal in a warm, dignified atmosphere, ensuring guests experience comfort and belonging. Everyone from the community is welcome,” organizers said in a news release.
“Our Thanksgiving Day events are not just about providing food – they’re about creating a meaningful and uplifting dining experience for those who may not have the opportunity to be served,” said Axberg. “Our celebration is a way to extend generosity and remind each person that they are valued and not alone.”
Other food drives
Linwood Recreation Center in St. Paul, located at 860 St. Clair Ave., is accepting food shelf donations for the Hallie Q. Brown Food Shelf from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. until Monday.
The most-needed items include:
Canned tuna, chicken or beans;
Rice, pasta, lentils, boxed meals and ramen;
Canned fruit, vegetables, soups and stews;
Peanut butter, cereal and oatmeal;
Shelf-stable milks;
Sealed baby formula, baby food, baby wipes and diapers;
Hygiene items such as deodorant, bar soap, shampoo, conditioner and feminine care items.
Organizers ask that anything with a glass container, alcohol, open or expired items, refrigerated or frozen items or homemade foods not be donated.
The city of St. Paul will continue operating food drive locations that began Nov. 1 when SNAP benefits were suspended. They are asking for new, unopened, shelf-stable items and hygiene items.
The most-needed items are:
Canned tuna, chicken or beans;
Rice, pasta, lentils, boxed meals and ramen;
canned fruits and vegetables, soups and stews;
Peanut/seed butters, cereal and oatmeal;
Shelf-stable milk, both dairy and non-dairy;
Masa Harina, jasmine/basmati rice, noodles and Halal options;
Baby formula, sealed and not expired; baby food; baby wipes and diapers.
No glass containers, open/expired items, homemade food, alcohol or refrigerated/frozen items will be accepted.
Items can be dropped off during business hours at the following locations: Highland Park Community Center at 1978 Ford Parkway; Arlington Hills Community Center at 1200 Payne Ave.; North Dale Recreation Center at 1414 N. Albans St.; and Oxford Community Center at 270 N. Lexington Parkway.
Neighborhood House
Neighborhood House officials ask that smaller donations, such as a few bags of food, can be dropped off anytime during market hours. Hours can be found at neighborhoodhousemn.org/programs/food-support/food-markets/. Officials ask that, if possible, people schedule their drop-offs by calling 651-789-3630.
The Neighborhood House has two locations for donations and for people to pick up food:
Wellstone Center Food Market at 179 Robie St. in St. Paul.
Neighborhood House on Montreal Food Market, 1080 Montreal Ave., St. Paul.
Leave a Reply