2024 Annual Impact

Every year since Grace Family Center was built in 2016 to house the Westonka Food Shelf, record numbers of people have entered our doors seeking support in meeting their family’s need for food. Many factors influence this unanticipated demand, including disproportionate pandemic and inflationary impact to vulnerable families. These trends are seen not only at WFS, but across our state and nation. In particular, WFS statistics reveal a very concerning and significant increase in the number of children we serve, which now represent an astonishing 42% of our patrons.

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WFS distributed 1.46 million pounds of food in 2024! As an organization with currently only 2 paid employees, this phenomenal need is met through the generosity of more than 167 regular volunteers who give their heart and soul to helping others. From collecting food rescue daily, to serving our patrons six days a week, stocking shelves, unloading food trucks, organizing farmer’s markets, stocking 24/7 food huts and a mini food shelf at Gillespie Center, providing snacks to our schools, growing produce, cleaning the facility, and so much more, our volunteers change lives every day by serving hope, love and food.

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WFS also relies on the generosity of our local church congregations to serve our patrons. Since 1969, we have been generously hosted by Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church (OLL). Enormous growth in patrons and food distribution has greatly changed the operational needs of our organization. Meeting this demand requires more human and financial resources, creating more liability and financial pressure for OLL. As such, beginning later in 2025, WFS will continue operating in our same space, as a new, independent 501(c)(3) organization renamed Westonka Community Food Shelf (WCFS). We are thankful to OLL for their many years of unwavering support and will provide additional details once the transition is finalized. This change in organizational structure will require additional support from our community. Please thoughtfully consider if now might be the time to share your time and treasure serving others at your community’s food shelf.

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While we have become one of the largest distributing food shelf’s in the area, we continue to keep our costs exponentially lower, with expenses of just $496,546. We are tremendously grateful for the support of our donors, community, retail, and food bank partners who help make this possible. Without this abundant generosity, we could not serve our neighbors in need.

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On March 1st, we will kick off our most critical month long fundraising campaign of the year, The MN Foodshare March Campaign, with our new Beat Hunger Bash hosted at the Nerdery in Edina. This is made possible because of the generosity of The Northwest Tonka Lions and the Nerdery. Please mark your calendars and contact us for tickets or to volunteer for this important event.

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While 2025 will bring significant changes to our operating structure, we know our community will bolster us, enabling us to continue serving those most vulnerable. Thank you for your continued and generous support that makes our existence possible.