360 Communities Less Than Halfway to FoodShare Goal

The folks at 360 Communities are hoping that would-be donors will save the best for last.

This month is an important one for the non-profit, which operates a network of food shelves and domestic abuse shelters in Dakota County. March is Minnesota FoodShare month, a statewide drive during which food pantries serving the poor can ante up, thanks to matching funds and food stuffs from the Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches (GMCC).

March is more than half gone, but 360 Communities has collected only 29.7 percent of its fiscal target of $60,000. 360 Communities has taken in 24,722 pounds of direct donations, just 35.3 percent of its 70,000 pound goal.

Nevertheless, officials at 360 Communities are confident in the generosity of residents in the south metro area.

"It tends to be this way. Last year I was a little worried, but we had a big rush towards the end," said Spokesman Tony Compton.  

Next week, the organization will get a boost from Costco, which plans to temporarily open up its doors to non-members for shopping. The store will take food drive collections during that time.

 Otherwise, donations can be dropped off at any one of 360 Communities' five food shelves in Dakota County or you can make a donation online.

Here is a list of items that are most in demand:

• Cereal (hot and cold)
• Powdered milk
• Pancake mix and syrup
• Peanut butter and jelly
• Tuna
• Tuna Helper or Chicken Helper
• Canned meat
• Pasta and sauce
• Rice and beans
• Flour
• Sugar
• Whole grain snack crackers
• Granola/cereal bars
• Canned fruit
• Coffee/Tea
• Dried rice (16 oz packages)
• Dried beans (16 oz packages)
• Cooking oil
• Laundry detergent
• Dish soap
• Paper products (toilet paper, paper towels)
• Personal care products (tooth paste, bar soap, shampoo)
• Disposable diapers (all sizes)
• Cash donations are needed to purchase bulk items
• Gift cards to purchase fresh nutritious food
• School supplies (notebooks, folders, pens and pencils)
• Warm clothing (hats, mittens, blankets) 

360 Communities is not the only nonprofit dedicated to feeding the needy. You can also donate to the CAP Agency's food shelf, in Shakopee, or Burnsville's Fruit of the Vine Pantry.