More Families Turning to Food Shelves: How You Can Help

Issue #150

09 Dec

In this Marshall Area Insider issue…

🌨️ Marshall, MN Weather - Rain and snow with a high of 35

🗞️ More Families Turning to Food Shelves: How You Can Help

🗞️ Avera Expands Cancer Care with Local Research Trials

📣 Want to get your business in the Marshall Area Insider? Let’s talk!

📌 Know of other local events not listed? Send us the details!

More Families Turning to Food Shelves: How You Can Help

The demand for food assistance across Minnesota has surged this year, with local food shelves experiencing a sharp increase in visitors.

In Marshall, the Kitchen Table Food Shelf has seen a steady rise in families seeking help, averaging about 450 households per month, up from 350 earlier this year.

The month of November marked a record high, with 485 families receiving support.

This trend reflects a statewide issue. Minnesota is on track to reach nearly nine million food shelf visits in 2024, breaking previous records set in 2022 and 2023.

Rising costs of living, especially for seniors relying on fixed incomes like Social Security, are among the factors contributing to the increased need.

The Kitchen Table Food Shelf, managed by the United Community Action Partnership (UCAP), operates five locations in southwest Minnesota, including sites in Marshall, Tracy, Westbrook, Heron Lake, and Worthington. Tracy has also seen significant growth in demand, with monthly visitors climbing from an average of 50 families last year to 60–80 families this fall.

To meet this growing need, UCAP has ramped up food orders, distributing approximately 315,000 pounds of food so far this year.

Partnerships with organizations like Second Harvest Heartland and local businesses, including Aldi, Walmart, Hy-Vee, Kwik Trip, and Schwan’s, play a vital role in keeping shelves stocked through donations and food rescue programs.

Additionally, the community has provided strong support through food drives and donations.

Despite the increase in service, food shelf managers emphasize that the numbers don’t capture the full extent of the community’s needs. Many eligible households, defined as those earning up to 300% of federal poverty guidelines, may not be seeking help.

For example, a family of five with an income under $109,000 annually qualifies for assistance but might not be accessing available resources.

Monetary contributions help maintain operations, and there is a growing need for volunteers to assist clients and organize inventory.

Avera Expands Cancer Care with Local Research Trials

Starting in 2025, patients at the Avera Cancer Institute in Marshall will have the opportunity to participate in groundbreaking cancer research trials without having to travel far from home.

This expansion is part of Avera Health’s ongoing efforts to bring advanced clinical trials to rural communities, providing access to innovative treatments typically found in larger metropolitan areas.

The initiative marks a significant milestone for southwest Minnesota, where residents often face the challenge of traveling long distances to access clinical trials.

By introducing these opportunities locally, Avera is making strides in addressing the gap in rural cancer care.

The rollout coincides with the completion of a newly constructed hospital pharmacy in Marshall, equipped to meet the stringent requirements for storing and preparing trial medications.

This advancement paves the way for research programs to begin at the local level, starting with genetic tumor studies before progressing to treatment trials.

Avera has been steadily building its reputation in cancer research since it began conducting trials in Sioux Falls approximately seven years ago.

The health system has grown its capabilities to include early-phase studies, such as Phase 1 trials, which focus on determining safe dosages for new drugs. These studies are often only available at large cancer research institutions.

Patients participating in these trials will receive experimental treatments alongside the standard care they would typically receive.

This approach ensures that patients have access to the latest advancements in cancer care without compromising their existing treatment plans.

The expanded research opportunities in Marshall will be supported by the same experienced team that coordinates studies at Avera’s Sioux Falls location.

This consistency ensures high-quality care and a seamless integration of trials into the local cancer center’s services.

For rural cancer patients, the ability to access clinical trials closer to home could be life-changing. Historically, participating in such studies required relocating or extensive travel, which posed significant logistical and emotional challenges.

With the new options available locally, patients can remain near their families while exploring potentially life-saving treatments.

The Avera Cancer Institute in Marshall is already well-equipped with radiation oncology and surgical specialists, forming a strong foundation for expanding research capabilities.

With the addition of clinical trials, the institute is poised to become a hub for advanced cancer care in southwest Minnesota.

Upcoming Area Events

 🗓️ Have an event to add? Send us the details!

Wednesday, December 11th
Friday, December 13th
Saturday, December 14th
Friday, December 13th - Sunday, December 15th

  • Prairie Dance Alliance presents: The Nutcracker 

    • At the Schwan Community Center for the Performing Arts, Marshall Senior High School

    • Friday, December 13 at 7:00 PM

    • Saturday, December 14 at 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM

    • Sunday, December 15 at 1:00 PM

Sunday, December 15th
Monday, December 16th and Tuesday, December 17th
Wednesday, December 18th

  • Hope Harbor Christmas Open House at 219 N High Street in Marshall from 1:00 - 6:00 PM

    • Come and go as you please

    • Door prizes, house tours, tons of treats, hot chocolate and cider bar, Christmas carols, games, cookie decorating and lots of Christmas spirit.

    • No cost to attend, no registration required. Learn more at hopeharbormn.org.

Friday, December 20th
Saturday, December 21st
Sunday, December 22nd

  • Planetarium Christmas & Light Show at the SMSU Planetarium
    at 2:00 PM

    • Tickets are $5 and are sold at the door

  • Live reindeer at Volstead House Museum in Granite Falls starting at 1:00 PM

    • Meet Santa and get free reindeer food for your yard, so the reindeer can find your home 🦌

Saturday, December 28th
Sunday, January 5th

  • Light Up The Night takes place at Independence Park in Marshall from 5:00 - 9:00 PM every night. Starting November 29 through January 1st. Enjoy this beautiful Winter Wonderland!

We want to take a moment to express our gratitude to you for being such a fantastic part of our newsletter community.

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So help us spread the word!

Marshall’s & Southwest MN’s Best Kept Secret:
Is Your Business One of Them?

We ❤️ local businesses!

We know our community is brimming with businesses that have fascinating stories and big hearts.

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Marshall Area Insider is eager to shine a light on the unsung heroes of our town. Send us a message and let's collaborate to let the community know what makes your business special!

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