We asked and you delivered! Our annual March Food & Fund Drive was a wonderful success, bringing together hundreds of community members in the fight against food insecurity. Collectively, VEAP received a total of 148,252 pounds of food, nearly twice our original goal of 75,000 pounds! We also raised $322,591, fifty percent more than we were expecting. Truly wonderful support for our community members in need.
Ten different faith communities officially registered their drives with us and and we know many more of you supported us without formally registering. I want to say thank you for your commitment to our mission. Because of you all, VEAP’s Food Pantry will be well-stocked into the warmer months of the year. Truly a win!
I would also like to share with you some upcoming opportunities at VEAP:
- Faith Community Connection – an invitation to join us: The Mission Partner Team and VEAP staff invite you to join us for the first Faith Community Connection Zoom meeting on Wednesday, May 12 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The purpose of the Faith Community Connection is to inform and engage our valued supporters in the faith communities of Edina, Richfield, Bloomington and South Minneapolis. We will recap VEAP’s first quarter, share information about upcoming events and hear from VEAP’s Volunteer Department, with time left to address any questions that you may have. Please watch for an email, from VEAP, with information about the Zoom meeting and how to get connected on May 12th. If you have any questions, please email Tom Russett, Mission Partner Team Chair at tom.russett@gmail.com. We hope to see you there.
- Future Light high school volunteer program. Calling all young people! VEAP is launching a summer program for students entering 9th-12th grade in Fall 2021. Students will have the opportunity to volunteer and learn about their community and issues affecting those who access VEAP services. This program will include 24-26 hours of volunteering total (breaks included) plus 4 educational sessions related to VEAP and the community, covering topics such as non-profit work, poverty, food insecurity, and housing insecurity. See session dates and application process here.
- Four AmeriCorps Emergency Response Members: now recruiting! To continue to meet growing demand at our pantry, VEAP has applied for and been awarded four additional summer-time staff members though the AmeriCorps program. These individuals will work 35 hours/week from June 7th through August 14th. Service members will receive a stipend regularly for their term of service, totaling $3,750. We are seeking one candidate for each of the following areas: basic needs, food pantry intake, admin support and marketing. This is a great opportunity for recent college graduates looking for a summer gig. Please share! More information here.