CEAP Nears Donation Goal for ‘Community Challenge’
Need is up at local food shelves, and Community Emergency Assistance Programs (CEAP) in Brooklyn Center is no exception.
In 2024, CEAP’s food market had over 60,000 visits. That’s almost 30,000 more than the previous year’s total of 33,000.
To meet that need, CEAP’s been collecting food and donations for its annual “Community Challenge.”
This year, the organization had a goal of collecting 200 thousand pounds of food, and $150,000.
CEAP director of mission advancement Kalleah Kennedy said that, with growing need and government funding sources up in the air, CEAP is asking the community to meet it with generosity.
She’s found the community always rises to the occasion.
“It’s a beautiful community that is very diverse and vibrant, and it’s also one of immense need,” Kennedy said. “This is a community that was struggling prior to the pandemic. Five years out, we are still working our way through it, like many people. 2024 was our hungriest year to date.”
As of Thursday, Kennedy said CEAP is about 90% of the way through both goals.
One way to help is through donating. All donations are doubled right now during the CEAP Community Challenge through its fund. There’s also a proportional match from Minnesota FoodShare in place. The Community Challenge runs through Sunday, April 6.
Kennedy said another great way to help CEAP is through volunteering. There are volunteer options in its thrift store, food market and meals on wheels program.
Details on how to get involved with CEAP are available on its website.
CEAP staff and volunteers pack food market orders for drive-up.
