Politics & Government
Golden Valley Food Shelf Hurting During The Shutdown
PRISM faces a food shortage as donations are hard to come by and more families are coming in.
As the state government shutdown continues, Golden Valley's People Responding In Social Ministry (PRISM) is struggling to keep food on its shelves.
"Our provisions just keep dwindling," said Diane Erickson, PRISM volunteer and resource director.
Food commodity distributions from the Minnesota Department of Human Services have stopped during the shutdown. Ramsey County District Court Judge Kathleen Gearin did not include them in a June 29 ruling of essential services.
Find out what's happening in Golden Valleywith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Erickson said that in addition to a 10 percent increase in food shelf clients over the past month, the organization is experiencing a donation slump.
"The poor economy has affected everyone, and that includes our contributors," she said.
Find out what's happening in Golden Valleywith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The food shelf hosted a record 602 families in June, up from 450 just a year and a half ago.
"Clients are finding that their financing is at a standstill," Erickson said. "While many safety nets like welfare are still in place, funds are being delayed. As a result, we're seeing more people come in fearful."
"The bills just keep piling up," said 15-year old Jessie, as she walked into PRISM with her mother, Jennifer.
Though the duo — who declined to give their last names — clips coupons and shops around for the best deals, what they save is no match for rising food prices.
"We count on PRISM to make ends meet," Jennifer said. "Some months we receive 85 pounds of food. But others, we have to walk out with 40 because there's nothing here."
Resource shortages aren't limited to foodstuffs. Sara Kemp, PRISM financial and food service case manager, estimates the government shutdown has cost the organization's housing assistance program nearly 80 percent in funding.
"We're trying to conserve what monies we have left until a contract can be signed with the state," she said.
Meanwhile, staff hours are being cut, and the organization's transportation department is reducing services.
"We're running on fumes," said Transportation Manager Sue Olsen.
But despite setbacks, clients like Jennifer and Jessie remain hopeful.
"Even though our economy isn't healthy, you can't give up," Jennifer said. "You find a new direction."
Follow the latest shutdown developments:
July 6: Are Golden Valley Legislators Getting Paid During the Shutdown?
Hennepin County Will Be Able to Fund Critical Human Services
Golden Valley Legislators React to Bipartisan Commission
(UPDATED) Other News Organizations' Stories About the Shutdown
July 5: Dayton, Republican Lawmakers Meet After A 'Breather,' But The Shutdown Continues
July 3: Winkler Says Legislators Will Move To The Middle—Eventually
Golden Valley Residents Will Be Able to Go to the Minnesota Zoo During the Shutdown
July 1: Golden Valley Legislators Frustrated by Minnesota Shutdown
Golden Valley Nonprofits Say the Shutdown Will Hurt the Vulnerable
June 29:
June 28:
June 23:
June 17:
Keep up with shutdown developments on our Golden Valley Patch Facebook page.
Keep up with comprehensive coverage of the state shutdown on our Patch: Minnesota Government Shutdown Facebook page.
