Food shelf in high demand

As the summer continues, the need for food and other necessities has increased in Janesville. The Janesville Community Food Shelf (JCFS), located in the back of Trinity Lutheran Church, responds to food insecurity in the community by opening its doors to those in need. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) defines food insecurity as “a household-level economic and social condition of limited or uncertain access to adequate food.” According to a 2021 survey by Feeding America, Waseca County has a food insecure population of 1,160 (6.1% of all residents). Another survey by the organization estimated that about 11% of Minnesota children are impacted by food insecurity. Waseca County’s childhood food insecurity rate is about 13.4%, just above the state average. 

Kay Gottschalk, the head of the JCFS’s executive board, said that July “tends to be slow,” in terms of donations, but because of community needs, the organization is holding a fundraiser right now. Gottschalk added that the increasing need during this time of year is due to families having “extra mouths to feed,” as schools, where children can receive free meals, are closed. “Our need has grown, but the amount of food available has decreased,” said Gottschalk. The JCFS’s fundraiser is in collaboration with the non-profit organization Hunger Solutions Minnesota, which assists local food shelves at a level proportionate to community donations. In addition, Gottschalk said that there is an anonymous local sponsor who will match donations up to $250. With the help of extra donations, the food shelf will be better equipped to continue servicing those impacted by food insecurity. 

The Janesville Community Food Shelf is open every Thursday from 1-3 p.m., the second Thursday of each month from 6-7 p.m., and Saturdays from 1-3 p.m. Cash and food donations can be dropped off at the food shelf during its normal operating hours or given to Donita Hagen at Trinity Lutheran Church.