Annandale Food Shelf is stable resource during pandemic

By Brenda Erdahl

As week’s pile up under the Governor’s Stay at Home order and people continue to be out of work, the Annandale Food Shelf remains a stable resource in the Annandale, Maple Lake and South Haven communities.

Unlike some other food shelfs, the volunteer base in Annandale remains strong and donations continue to pour in. Organizers expected a surge of activity with the arrival of COVID-19 but so far, they have not been as busy as they anticipated, President Ed Skomoroh said.

“There are no long lineups and clients on an average receive their food within 20 minutes or less. Possibly the stimulus checks clients received have people shopping at grocery stores until the money runs out,” he said.

In some ways it is easier for residents to get the food they need than it was before the virus outbreak and everyone who is in need, is encouraged to take advantage of it.

“Everyone is treated with respect and a smile, even if you can’t see it behind our masks,” Skomoroh said.

The Annandale food has kept its regular hours through the pandemic – Monday 4-6 p.m., Wednesday 5-7 p.m. and Friday 9-11:30 p.m. – but has initiated several changes to keep families safe and fed.

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