Dec. 18 -- ROCHESTER -- Channel One Regional Food Bank is the recipient of a $200,000 donation from Mayo Clinic in response to the historic need for food assistance in the community.
"By making this donation, Mayo Clinic is demonstrating its commitment to the health and well-being of our community," said Virginia Witherspoon, Channel One Regional Food Bank executive director in a press release. "This donation provides much-needed support for those facing food insecurity. We are grateful to Mayo Clinic for recognizing the unprecedented need for charity food and hope it encourages others to join us in making a difference this holiday season."
Food insecurity is a leading social determinant of health. The 2022 Olmsted County Community Health Needs Assessment included food security as a social and economic factor contributing to overall health.
"The impact of food insecurity extends beyond physical health: It affects mental health, educational outcomes, and economic stability," said Erin Sexton, Mayo Clinic Senior Director of External Relations. "We are grateful for the work that Channel One is doing to ensure access to food in our region and hope this donation helps them meet the growing need, especially during the holiday season."
The $200,000 Mayo Clinic donation will help support Channel One's programs that address food insecurity across 14 counties in southeastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin. As the cost of living continues to rise, more families are struggling to afford basic needs, making food assistance more important than ever. Channel One has seen a significant increase in need for food, especially during the holiday season. In the three days leading up to Thanksgiving, the Channel One Food Shelf saw 2,202 household visits, a 34% increase compared to the same time last year and an 83% increase from 2022.
From January to October 2024, area food shelves recorded more than 324,790 household visits, a 35% increase over 2023. This shows how much food banks like Channel One are needed in the community. For years, food banks have been helping more people with the same number of staff and resources. Channel One hopes Mayo Clinic's example will shed light on this situation and inspire others to help make sure neighbors facing food insecurity have enough nutritious food, especially during the holidays.
To donate, visit HelpingFeedPeople.org/Donate or mail a check to Channel One Regional Food Bank, 131 35th Street SE, Rochester, MN 55904. To volunteer, visit HelpingFeedPeople.org/Volunteer .