Bemidji Lions Club Donates $2,000 to Community Food Shelf for Hunger Relief

The Bemidji Lions Club presented a $2,000 check to the Bemidji Community Food Shelf following a member meeting at which food shelf spokeswoman Kathy Felix outlined the steady rise in hunger across Beltrami County.

Lions Club President Bob Sandbo delivered the check to Felix after she briefed members on the food shelf's day-to-day operations and fielded questions from the floor. Her presentation offered a direct accounting of how community need has climbed over the past year, with more Beltrami County families seeking emergency food assistance.

The Bemidji Community Food Shelf has operated at 1260 Exchange Ave. in Bemidji since 1982 and serves households throughout the county. It runs as a client-choice food shelf, meaning families select their own items by food category rather than receiving pre-packed boxes. Each household is eligible for about 10 meals' worth of groceries per monthly visit.

Because the food shelf purchases approximately two-thirds of what it distributes, cash gifts carry particular weight in maintaining adequate inventory. The Lions Club's $2,000 contribution is designated for expanded services as the organization works to keep pace with the growing volume of requests from county residents.

The donation continues a pattern of giving between the two organizations, with the Lions Club having contributed to the Bemidji Community Food Shelf on multiple occasions in recent years. Those wishing to support the food shelf can send donations to 1260 Exchange Ave., Bemidji, MN 56601.