Imagine having to suddenly live without all the foods that make up the core of your meals. For many Americans this would mean being without bread, potatoes, cheese, meat or pasta.
Despite the generous donations that pour in during Minnesota FoodShare month in March, many families still go without their basic foods because of the cultural inconsistency between donations and clients.
At Branch I and II food shelves, 49 percent of the people served are Hispanic/Latino, and providing culturally specific foods has emerged as one of the largest gaps in the program.
“Due to the increase of clients who are from various countries in South America, we began an culturally specific food program in 2004 to offer food for them that is native to their homeland," said Arlene Chosa, food shelf program manager.
Culturally specific foods needed at Catholic Charities’ food shelves include:
Dona Maria Mole salsa sauce
a variety of dried beans (black, pinto, etc.) rice
chipotle peppers (canned) tortillas
Maseca corn flour dried peppers
vegetable oil
Abuelitas Nestle chocolate drink (used to make homemade Mole)
To donate these much needed foods, call the Branch I food shelf at 612-871-9442.
|
