Q: Why not just support the local food shelves?
A: With the economy struggling, more help/
more often is needed. A Place of Hope will differ from the current food shelves as we will focus on giving our clients the resources and confidence they need to get back on their feet more quickly and we will be open more varied hours to serve the community.
Please also see our differentiating values.
Q: How will the food shelf be funded?
A: A Place of Hope will be funded from individuals, churches, organizations, grants and foundations. There are also a number of programs and assistance to help food shelves. Examples: Second Harvest, MN Emergency Food Shelf Network, Grants and Foundations, etc.
Q: Who will oversee the new food shelf?
A: A
Board of Directors will serve as the main foundation for the new food shelf with Advisory Board members helping to make key decisions and future plans. A Place of Hope will be run like a non-profit business with regular meetings and documentation from all aspects. ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS NEEDED: If you are interested in serving on the advisory board, please contact Tina at 612-298-2622. Please also see the
profiles of our board.
Q: What types of donations are needed?
A: Monetary, In-Kind (products or services), Coupons, Time from Volunteers
Q: How big of a space and what kind of space is needed?
A: 2000-5000 square feet, a room that locks, has room for shelving, refrigerators, freezers, and office space, etc.
Q: Are donations tax-deductible?
A: Yes, we are a 501c3 non-profit with all donations fully tax-deductible.
Q: What geographical areas will this food shelf serve?
A: Our main areas will focus on Oakdale, St. Paul, and the Maplewood area (depending on where the space is located)
Q: Who will be able to use this food shelf?
A: This food shelf will be available to anyone with adequate need according to usage guidelines set.
Q: What are the hours of operation?
A: Tentative schedule includes being open 1 day per week, 1-2 Saturdays per month and 1-3 evenings per month to accommodate the working clients. We will also be open by appointment for emergency situations and will expand hours as the community and economy needs it.
Q: When is the expected opening date?
A: TBD 2009 as soon as a site is confirmed and partnerships and volunteer training is in place.
Q: Why types of items/resources will be available to the clients and their families:
A: Food, Clothing, Toiletries, School Supplies, Holiday Baskets, Holiday Adopt a Family, Small Household items, gas vouchers, and a Resource Bulletin Board with resources and programs available to help clients get back on their feet.
Q: What other resources will be available to help ALL families to stretch their food dollars?
A: Eventually, we would like to be a distribution site for the
Fare for All Program where people get big savings every month on fresh, high quality, nutritious groceries – EFN’s largest supplemental food program. Participants can order either through a local distribution site on a distribution day, or by calling the Fare For All office at any time during the month.
Q: How does this food shelf
differ from the ordinary food shelf already out there?
A: At A Place of Hope, our
differentiating values for our organization include to...