Staff photo by Fritz Busch From left, volunteers Greg Bushard, Darlene Filzen, Gary Roiger and Linda Madsen sort donated food at the New Ulm Area Emergency Food Shelf Friday.

NEW ULM — As COVID-19 government programs ended earlier this year, New Ulm Area Emergency Food Shelf client numbers began climbing and continue to do so.

“During COVID, we had about 60 families (coming to the food shelf),” said executive director Brad Kirk. “A lot of government programs went away in March and April. In September (2023), we had 122 families including 280 individuals. Last month, we had 129 families including 300 individuals. So far in November, we’ve had 102 families and 246 individuals. There’s a lot of need.”

Food shelf needs are rising too.

“We need catsup, canned meals like Spaghettios and baking ingredients like flour, sugar, vegetable oil and cake and brownie mixes,” he said. “If we have to buy any food, we buy it local.”

“Most of our food comes from Second Harvest Heartland food bank,” said Kirk. “Locally, we pick up food at Kwik Trip South, Cash Wise Foods, ALDI and Walmart. People, businesses and organizations donate food to us but we need more. We’re always looking for volunteers to work too,”

Kirk said anybody interested in volunteering can fill out a registration form at newulmfoodshelf.com, email it to newulmfoodshelf@gmail.com, mail it to the food shelf or drop it off at the food shelf at 1305 Valley Street South. He invites anyone wishing to donate or volunteer can call him at 354-7668.

“We’re very appreciative of our volunteers. We have many that have been with us for about 10 years or more,” said Kirk. “We realize that family and health concerns come first for our volunteers.”

“It’s a wonderful bunch of people volunteering at the food shelf. I just enjoy being down here and helping,” said volunteer Linda Madsen.

Food shelf hours are noon to 2:45 p.m. Monday and Wednesday and 6:45 to 7:45 p.m. the first Monday of each month.

Food can be dropped off at the food shelf from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday and Wednesday.

Cash Wise and Hy-Vee food stores have donation drop-off boxes in their stores. Local churches also have drop-off sits.

The food shelf serves School District 88 residents including New Ulm, Searles, Hanska, Courtland and Lafayette. Families and individuals can use the food shelf once per calendar month. Proof of residence is requested when registering for everyone over age 18.

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