Impressive 150th Food Drive Totals; How to Keep it Going?

Editor's Note: The following information was all taken from a City of Eagan  press release.

The final results are in. Eagan residents and businesses in 2010 made a tremendous impact as part of the food drive to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Eagan’s founding by the Minnesota Legislature. Not only did Eagan blow by its original 150,000 pounds of food goal, not only did it exceed its revised 2010 goal of 300,000 pounds worth of food donated to area food shelves— the final total was an astounding 379,523 pounds.

“I’m so tremendously proud of our community and the work of 150th volunteer committee,” says Eagan Mayor Mike Maguire. “What this says about the giving nature and caring capacity of the people who live and work in Eagan goes beyond words.”

At least 110 businesses, churches and community groups participated, and many more individuals joined in at civic events.

The nearly 380,000 pounds of food donated to the Eagan Resource Center and the 360 Communities food shelves is greater than the weight of the heaviest blue whale, more than the thrust of a space shuttle engine, or the weight of a B-1 aircraft. And it has more impact too, like supporting more than 21,000 visits just to the Eagan Resource Center alone.

While the sesquicentennial year is done, “The challenge now is to keep the momentum going,” says 150th Volunteer Chair Scott Swenson, who was honored in October for his leading efforts. “I hope that we started a tradition, and we really encourage other organizations to continue on because the need continues to be there.”

There have been some great ideas already, he said, like Cub Foods considering offering every Friday in Month of March to the food shelves to help bag groceries in return for tips supporting food shelf donations.

What food shelf organizers have realized is that there is a continuing need.

"The Eagan & Lakeville Resource Centers have seen a dramatic increase in the number of families needing food assistance over the past 12 months,” says ERC Executive Director Lisa Horn. What’s striking, she says, is the need for food particularly among those struggling with issues of foreclosure or catastrophic medical bills, even those with two incomes.

And Mary Ajax, president of 360 Communities, hopes to keep a partnership going with Eagan residents beyond last year’s anniversary, and for more than just food needs.

“At 360 Communities, our long-term goal is to ensure that the community has thriving healthy families by inspiring people to get involved and make a difference,” Ajax said.

To reach both organizations:

Volunteers are asked to contact Doreen L’Allier, 360 Communities lead director of
engagement, at 952-985-4007, or visit www.360communities.org.

To get your organization involved with the Eagan Resource Center call 651-688-3189, e-mail lisahorn@eaganrc.org, or visit www.eaganrc.org. For food assistance, call 651- 686-0787.