The City of Hastings has proclaimed that the Hastings community will work together during the Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign to drive out hunger and restock the Market food shelf at Hastings Family Service (HFS).
All monetary gifts and pounds of food/personal care items donated through April 6 will be proportionately matched by Minnesota Foodshare, making an even greater impact. HFS experienced a 39% increase in the number of households receiving full food shelf orders in 2025 and food insecurity continues to climb in Minnesota at an alarming pace. According to HFS Executive Director Amy Sutton, “The need for the Market food shelf has grown 278% in the past five years, and the Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign is a chance for the entire community to come together each year to make a difference. Your support is critically needed to continue to provide help and hope to our neighbors.”
The community is invited to host food drives and attend special fundraising and collection events throughout the month. The National Honor Society will be hosting their annual Food Drive this week, distributing empty paper grocery bags to area households to fill with nonperishable food items, and then the students will collect the bags on Sunday, March 8th from 4 to 6 p.m. If you don’t have a bag delivered in your neighborhood, you can still support their food drive by bringing your bag of items to the HFS Donation Center. Food Drives and financial gifts made online, mailed, or dropped off at HFS will help to maximize the proportionate matching funds.
The 29th year of Hastings Tastings returns on Monday, March 30th, showcasing the best from local eating and drinking establishments. Limited tickets are available and can be purchased online at hastingsfamilyservice.org or in person at the HFS Donation Center. Tickets are $55 and your ticket purchase can feed two families of 3-4 for a week.
According to Sutton, “Hastings Tastings is an important part of MN Foodshare with all proceeds being proportionately matched, and we hope you will join us for the best meal of the year! We are so fortunate to be part of a community that rallies to help one another through uncertain times.”
Join the citywide effort to drive out hunger! Learn more about events, host a food or fund drive, and donate online.
Photo: The City of Hastings recently proclaimed that the Hastings Community will work together to fight hunger and restock the HFS Market food shelf in March.
