Dear Friends,
Funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) ends tomorrow amid the continued shutdown of the federal government. SNAP helps thousands of Minnesotans put groceries on the table each month, but without federal support, there won’t be enough to cover these benefits. Local food shelves are already stretched thin and are bracing for increased need. That means our neighbors, children, and seniors are already facing empty cupboards — and the need will only grow.
Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, President of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, said that an end to these benefits “places the burdens of this shutdown most heavily on the poor and vulnerable of our nation, who are the least able to move forward. This consequence is unjust and unacceptable.”
If you feel called to share your blessings to help those in need, the following list of organizations may provide a helpful starting point. Each has been screened for alignment with Catholic social teaching.
Have a DAF at CCF?
You can request a grant to any of these organizations in DonorSphere!
Drexel Mission Schools
Many children and families who need extra support are right here in our Catholic schools — especially the Drexel Mission Schools, which serve students from the highest-need communities. With your support, schools will be able to purchase food supplies and grocery store gift cards for these families, helping to ensure children have the food they need to learn, grow, and thrive.
CCF is distributing a $1,000 grant to every Drexel Mission School to enable them to begin purchasing food and gift cards today.
The Drexel Mission Schools serve more than 1,800 students. Please join us in supporting them by making a gift to a school today:
- Ascension Catholic School, Minneapolis
- Blessed Trinity Catholic School, Richfield
- Community of Saints Regional Catholic School, West St. Paul
- Immaculate Conception Catholic School, Columbia Heights
- Risen Christ Catholic School, Minneapolis
- Saint Helena Catholic School, Minneapolis
- Saint Jerome Catholic School, Maplewood
- Saint John Paul II Catholic School, Minneapolis
- Saint Pascal Regional Catholic School, St. Paul
- Saint Peter Claver Catholic School, St. Paul
Other Organizations
Franciscan Brothers of Peace, St. Paul | A community of celibate men following the ideals of St. Francis of Assisi, the Franciscan Brothers of Peace operate a food shelf that aims to be a “spiritual food shelf,” supporting the body AND soul.
Keystone Community Services, St. Paul | Over 80 years of serving Ramsey County with senior care, enrichment for children, basic needs and crisis assistance.
Open Cupboard Emergency Food Shelf, Oakdale | Focuses on providing nutritious food to neighbors in a respectful manner while engaging the community in the fight against hunger.
Second Harvest Heartland, St. Paul | Works together to source and distribute food efficiently, advocate for effective policies and programs, and invest in new ways to end hunger in the heartland.
Source MN, Minneapolis | Empowers the at-risk and unreached to make a break from the past and build a foundation for the future, including a holistic approach of food and outreach, recovery resources, and prayer and faith.