Summer is here—and with it comes a greater need than ever to support local families facing hunger. We’re thrilled to invite you to take part in this year’s Open Your Heart Summer Challenge, running now through July 31!
When school is out and daily routines shift, many families struggle even more to put food on the table. Kids who rely on school meal programs go without, and household budgets stretch to the breaking point. That’s where you come in.
Your Gift Goes Even Further in July
Every dollar donated during this challenge helps WVS Food Shelf meet the growing needs of our community—and also helps us earn a proportional matching grant from Open Your Heart to the Hungry and Homeless. That means your generosity has double the impact.
The Summer Challenge provides critical funds during one of the most difficult times of year for food shelves. Donations slow down, but the need does not. In fact, it’s only growing.
The Need is Real—and Rising
Between January and May of this year, WVS saw 6,414 visits—a 25% increase from the same period in 2024. That’s thousands more neighbors turning to us for help with the most basic need: food.
Here’s what we’ve done together so far in 2025:
- 285,884 pounds of food distributed
- An average of 45 pounds of food per visit
- 187,909 pounds purchased from Channel One Food Bank at a cost of $78,511—our largest program expense
- 33,199 pounds donated by community members like you
- 58,291 pounds rescued from local food partners
Your Support Makes This Possible
When you give during the Open Your Heart Summer Challenge, you’re not just donating food or dollars—you’re offering relief, dignity, and hope to thousands of families right here in Minnesota. Every bit helps us keep our shelves stocked and our doors open to anyone who needs a hand.
