Spring Valley Area Food Shelf

The Spring Valley Area Food Shelf is a charitable and ecumenical agency providing food for people in need living within a 15 mile radius of Spring Valley.  The food shelf gave out 47,215 pounds of food last year, The food shelf received 13,186 pounds of donated food and supplies. There were approximately 1,590 volunteer hours given by 40 volunteers. Last year $28,000 was donated to provide food, equipment and maintenance for the food shelf. During 2014 we were able to serve 3,191 people.

The concept for the Food Shelf was developed in the fall of 2008 by a the Ministerial Association and City Administrator, Deb Zimmer. The City Council gave approval for a city-owned house to be used as a Food Shelf.  After receiving generous donations, guidance from Channel One and many hours of volunteer work the Food Shelf was opened in mid-December of 2008.  During the first full year of operation 80 households were served. In 2014, 102 households were served.  The food shelf is able to serve these families because of the generosity of our volunteers and donors. The board of directors and food shelf staff are all volunteers.

For nearly six years the old house the city had donated was a tremendous home for the food shelf.  Last spring it became evident by the many roof leaks that our time at that location was coming to a close.  We looked at 5 different properties in Spring Valley to rent but only one was a viable location.  The old creamery building on Jefferson Street was in need of a great deal of work and thanks to the willingness of the owner, Terry Fetterly, to put money and labor into renovating it, we have a new location.  Many volunteers helped paint the walls, assemble donated shelving, and moved all food and furniture along with organizing everything.

Since 2008 the food shelf has served our community because of many generous donations. During the month of March all donations will be matched by The Otto Bremer Foundation. The Otto Bremmer Foundation is significantly expanding its work into southeastern Minnesota. The Foundation will provide up to $1 million to match individual donations to local organizations. The month-long campaign will start March 1 and focus on organizations in the counties of Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Wabasha and Winona that align with Otto Bremer Foundation's work and are consistent with their mission. 

Thank you for your consideration in making a donation to the Spring Valley Area Food Shelf