Food shelf executive director Brad Kirk said he’s seen more food shelf demand in the last few months.

Food shelf client Sarah Smith said she’s finding high food prices for many of her favorite food items including lettuce, hamburger and other meats, milk and most anything packaged.

“It’s harder to stretch your dollar now. And I’ve got two elementary school kids. I garden in the summer. I’ve gotten vegetables from neighbors. They’re pretty nice,” said Smith.

A steady stream of clients pushed shopping carts around the food shelf.

Staff photo by Fritz Busch New Ulm Area Emergency Food Shelf client Sarah Smith of New Ulm, left, talks to food shelf executive director Brad Kirk at the food shelf Wednesday.

Kirk said demand is up.

“We’re serving 155 families a month. There are about 350 families that are eligible here. We’re fortunate to have good support from donors. All the little things that people do for us helps a lot. I just got a call from J & R Schugel Trucking. They have a pallet of food for us to pick up,” he said.

Kirk said he’s looking for a few volunteer “food rescue drivers” to pick up food for about an hour on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings a week and deliver it to the food shelf.

Deb Waibel was sorting food items at the food shelf.

“I like working with the people here and with the clients that come in on Mondays and Wednesdays. Lots 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 clients. She said she likes the feeling of helping people out by volunteering.

Helen Vogel was distributing dairy items to food shelf clients.

“I like the fact that I can help somebody out. Volunteering helps me keep busy and feel good helping people. Anything we can do to help families is good,” she said.

Kirk said food shelf projects are underway to make it more efficient.

“We’re remodeling the garage and making the building handicap-accessible,” he said.

Needy families and individuals can visit the food shelf at 1305 S. Valley Street one day a month.

The food shelf serves residents of School District 88 including the cities of New Ulm, Searles, Hanska, Essig, Courtland, and Lafayette.

Food shelf donations are accepted 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday and Wednesday. Cashwise and Hy-Vee Foods have in-store food donation boxes. Local churches also have food donation boxes.

Food shelf 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. Director Kirk can be called at 507-354-7668 and emailed at newulmfoodshelf@gmail.com.

Registration forms are available at newulm-foodshelf.com. Volunteers, food and monetary donations are always sought. All food shelf donations are tax deductible.