“Thanks to the Concord Singers, the people who donated at their Nov. 18 concert and our volunteers. Our client numbers keep climbing,” said New Ulm Area Emergency Food Shelf Executive Director Brad Kirk.

“This is significantly more of a donation than our last concert was. Thanks to those that donated food and money, allowing the Concord Singers to make a community investment in the food shelf,” said Concord Singer Dick Seeboth.

Several food shelf clients were waiting outside the door when it opened Wednesday noon. A couple of them talked about what the food shelf means to them and what it is like to struggle to make ends meet.

“When everybody wanted a raise, they got it. Where did they get the money? They made prices rise. They call it inflation,” said Ed Dutton of New Ulm.

Staff photo by Fritz Busch The Concord Singers of New Ulm donate $660 and 195 pounds of food to the New Ulm Area Emergency Food Shelf Wednesday. The donation comes from the Concord Singers Nov. 18 concert at the State Street Theater. Pictured from left, food shelf executive director Brad Kirk, James Gieseke, Joe Meyer, Bob Mielke, president Brent Roiger, Dick Seeboth, Randy Preisinger and vice president Gary Klimmek.

“I’m 74 and a disabled Vietnam Veteran. If I didn’t have the food shelf, I would have starved a long time ago. A fluid power technician, I broke my back at age 58 and had to stop working,” Dutton said.

“I’m on Social Security and food stamps. Who can live on $1,500 a month,” said Peggy Johnson. “I love New Ulm. It’s got a great food shelf and the best programs for the needy.”

Megan Anderson of the Taylor Corporation of North Mankato pulled up to the food shelf and donated an SUV load of diapers, food and personal items.

“I think the food shelf here is a great program,” said Anderson. “The Taylor Corp. donated things to food shelves in New Ulm, St. Peter and Waseca.”

The New Ulm Food Shelf, 1305 Valley Street South is a volunteer-run organization that provides food to families and individuals monthly. To qualify, clients must belong to School District 88 which includes New Ulm, Lafayette, St. George, Klossner, Courtland, Essig, Searles and Hanska. Proof of residence is requested at registration.

Hours are noon to 2:45 p.m. Monday and Wednesday and 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. the first Monday of the month.

Food can be dropped off at the food shelf from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday and Wednesday. Cashwise Foods and Hy-Vee Foods have food donation drop-off boxes in their stores. Local churches also have drop-off sites.

Donations can also be made via PayPal. Tax-deductible checks payable to the New Ulm Area Emergency Food Shelf can be mailed to PO box 761, New Ulm, Mn 56073.

Volunteers are always needed at the food shelf to help clients select food, sort food, stock shelves, assist with food drives and special events. Call the food shelf at 507-766-4082.

Volunteers under age 18 must have their parent/guardian sign their registration form.

The food shelf distributes food with management offices at Linderhoff, Emerson Union and Sunset Apartments, the Broadway Haus, Hanska Apartments and the City of Lafayette in the parking lot of 1st Lutheran Church of Lafayette.

Lutheran Social Services offers healthy meals at pop-up events in New Ulm on the third Tuesdays at the food shelf. the next pop-up event is Tuesday, Dec. 19, from 1:30 p.m. until gone.

Any adult age 60 or older in need of healthy meals can pick up a bundle of 10 meals at each pop-up event on a first come, first service basis. A brief form can be completed when you pick up meals. A proxy can pick up your meals and complete the form.

For more information, visit https://newulmfoodshelf.com/.