The Food Shelf will be distributing pre-packed bags of groceries Monday – Thursday from 1pm - 4pm in the CES parking lot. Our doors will be closed to the public, and we will NOT be handing out numbers at 10:30am. Please come between 1pm – 4pm to receive a bag.

For the protection of our neighbors, volunteers and staff, changes to the distribution process will be implemented to reduce wait times and limit person-to-person contact.

Friday Distribution Program will temporarily be closed. 

Additional precautions we are taking include:

• - Asking neighbors who are feeling sick to wait in their cars while orders are being filled
• - Requiring volunteers and staff who are sick to stay homes
• - Following all hand washing and hygiene protocols
• - Enabling a no-contact delivery process for our Meals On Wheels recipients
• - Increased sanitation of high traffic areas and equipment

Our goal is to ensure we serve our neighbors who depend on the services we provide and care for everyone in our community: neighbors, volunteers and staff.

- told by Maryellen Skan, HD Volunteer

“As I rang the doorbell, I heard singing as Dave* came to the door. ‘Good day! How wonderful. God bless you for coming with my food,’ Dave continued as he either hummed another tune or sang a short song. Dave was so thankful for the groceries we brought, but more importantly the time together,” Maryellen shared.

Talking with others like Dave is one of the reasons Maryellen volunteers with the Home Delivery (HD) program. But, how did she come to work with HD?

Maryellen Skan began 15 years ago as the liaison between her church, Our Saviours’s Lutheran Church, and CES. She coordinated with church members and CES on several fronts; they volunteer, donate food all year and added CES to their Mission of the Month for both February and March in participation with the Minnesota March FoodShare.

At one point, Maryellen’s congregation did the Home Delivery food distributions at Hiawatha Towers for those who had a hard time getting to the grocery store. She became the coordinator for the volunteers from her church. “It is a great way to involve different age groups with a limited commitment, once a month for us.”

For the past five years, Maryellen has delivered HD on Thursdays to individual clients in need of groceries and produce.

“These people are so special,” said Maryellen. “I enjoy getting to know the clients. Not only do we give them groceries which they really need, we spend some personal time with them, listening to them share, albeit for just a few minutes sometimes. There are many different personalities, but each is so thankful! It is really about the relationships we develop.”

“Recently, my husband and I volunteered at a packing event at Second Harvest Heartland that would go to different food shelves. Saundra Holden from CES informed me that CES is able to get those items at $.03 a pound. What a trickle down effect! At CES, it’s wonderful to work alongside many organizations who supply food to those in need, much of which goes to HD clients.”

Maryellen continued, “Volunteering with CES Home Delivery is a great opportunity for helping others. I can honestly say that working with the CES staff is great! They work hard, do not complain, and are deeply devoted to serving others every day. I look forward to my time with CES and Home Delivery. It is so rewarding.”

Come join Maryellen and others like her who volunteer, giving cheer and hope to others!

*Client name changed to protect anonymity