Staff photo by Fritz Busch Deb Waibel, a New Ulm area food shelf volunteer, sorts food at the food shelf. She said she enjoys meeting people at the food shelf.
NEW ULM — Emergency food shelves in the New Ulm area were as busy as winter weather on Wednesday.
Brad Kirk, executive director of the pantry, said demand for the pantry has increased over the past few months.
Food shelf customer Sarah Smith said she feels food prices are high for many of her favorite foods, including lettuce, burgers, other meats, milk and almost everything packaged.
“Now it’s hard to stretch my own money. And I have two children in elementary school. I garden in the summer. I receive vegetables from my neighbors. They are very nice. ” said Smith.
Customers were constantly pushing shopping carts around the food shelves.
Staff photo by Fritz Busch New Ulm Area Emergency Food Shelf customer Sarah Smith, left, of New Ulm, speaks with Food Shelf Executive Director Brad Kirk at the food shelf Wednesday.
Kirk said demand is increasing.
“We serve 155 families every month. We have about 350 families here that qualify. We are fortunate to have good support from our donors. Every little thing you do for us is so helpful. We just got a call from J&R Schugel Trucking and they have pallets of food for us to pick up.” he said.
Kirk said he is looking for several volunteers. “Food Rescue Driver” We pick up food and deliver it to the pantry for about an hour each week on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings.
Deb Weibel was sorting through groceries in the grocery store.
“I like working with the people here and the clients who come in on Mondays and Wednesdays. Many of them have nice smiles. I know many of them by face.” she said.
Staff photo by Fritz Busch New Ulm Area Food Shelf volunteer Helen Vogel distributes dairy products to customers. She said she likes the feeling of helping people by volunteering.
Helen Vogel was distributing dairy products to customers at the food shelf.
“I like the fact that I can help someone. Volunteering keeps me busy and I get satisfaction from helping people. Anything we can do to help a family is great. It is.” she said.
Kirk said projects are underway to make pantry shelves more efficient.
“We are renovating the garage and making the building handicapped accessible.” he said.
Families and individuals in need can visit the food shelf at 1305 S. Valley Street one day a month.
The food shelf serves residents of School District 88, which includes the cities of New Ulm, Searles, Hanska, Essig, Cortland and Lafayette.
Donations to the food shelf will be accepted Monday and Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cashwise and Hy-Vee Foods have food donation boxes in their stores. Food donation boxes are also set up at local churches.
The food shelf is open Mondays and Wednesdays from noon to 2:45 p.m. and the first Monday of the month from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. Director Kirk can be reached at 507-354-7668 or emailed at newulmfoodshelf@gmail.com.
Registration forms are available at newulm-foodshelf.com. We are always looking for volunteers, food and monetary donations. All donations to the food shelf are tax deductible.
Staff photo by Fritz Busch New Ulm Area Emergency Food Shelf customer Sarah Smith, left, of New Ulm, speaks with Food Shelf Executive Director Brad Kirk at the food shelf Wednesday.
Staff photo by Fritz Busch Deb Waibel, a New Ulm area food shelf volunteer, sorts food at the food shelf. She said she enjoys meeting people at the food shelf.
Staff photo by Fritz Busch New Ulm Area Food Shelf volunteer Helen Vogel distributes dairy products to customers. She said she likes the feeling of helping people by volunteering.
Staff photo by Fritz Busch New Ulm Area Emergency Food Shelf customer Sarah Smith, left, of New Ulm, speaks with Food Shelf Executive Director Brad Kirk at the food shelf Wednesday.
NEW ULM — Following Tuesday’s public hearing on New Ulm’s 2025 budget, the city is considering a 5.23% tax.
