Dakota County food shelf guests voice struggles
Minnesota FoodShare Month may be over, but for one in 10 Minnesotans, having enough food will remain a daily struggle with no end in sight.
At the Dakota County Salvation Army in Burnsville, the number of people seeking help only continues to grow.
“On average, each time we open we see at least five first-time people that have never, ever been here before,” said social worker Joan Moes, who runs the food shelf.
Each month, hundreds of people come to this Salvation Army satellite office – located inside Prince of Peace Lutheran Church – to get free clothes and food. Moes said that while the economy may be improving, many people are still losing jobs, or have had to take pay cuts to keep working.
“By coming here and getting their food they can save money so they can pay their bills, and we absolutely encourage them to do that,” Moes explained.
Wei Chang (pictured) lost his job as an x-ray technician five years ago, and is still looking for work in his field. In the meantime, he’s doing his best, working as a driver.
“My income is not high, my job is not stable,” he explained. So he comes here some months to help fill in the gaps.
Chang’s story is common here. Melissa McCoy (pictured) says that while she would much rather shop at the grocery store, she doesn’t qualify for food stamps and with two kids to feed, and no regular child support to rely on, there are times she needs help.
“I’ve never not had a job,” McCoy said. “Since I was 13, I’ve always worked. I’ve been a cosmetologist for 16 years. But sometimes, I just fall short.”
Today, her best friend Natasha came, too. Her husband was just laid off and with five children at home, she knew it was time to ask for help.
“We’ve always worked to take care of ourselves and our kids, but at times like this, it’s just not quite enough,” Natasha explained.
Thanks to your donations, the door at The Salvation Army is always open for the people who need us (give online).
“The people here are really kind, they’re not judgmental, you just feel welcome,” Natasha said.