Society of St. Vincent de Paul - Twin Cities to close Vinnie’s Hope food program.
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. May 31, 2022 – The Society of St. Vincent de Paul – Twin Cites (SVdP) today announced it will discontinue operations of its food program in mid-June. Known as Vinnie’s Hope, the program launched in 2015 in support of the organization’s 166-year-old mission to serve our Minnesota neighbors struggling in poverty.
Since launching the food distribution program, Vinnie’s Hope has given away more than 31 million pounds of surplus food to those in need, much of it supplied by United Natural Foods (formerly SuperValu) of Eden Prairie, Minn. In April, United Natural Foods notified St. Vincent de Paul’s Executive Director, Ed Koerner, of plans to move its food donation program to Second Harvest Heartland.
“When Vinnie’s Hope was launched, we knew two things,” said Koerner. “There was too much surplus food going to waste – and too many families going hungry.” Within a short time, SVdP developed relationships with food manufacturers, wholesalers and club stores to collect fresh produce, dairy, protein and non-perishable groceries in addition to prepared meals. After SVdP employees and volunteers safely sort and repack for families or individuals, the food is quickly delivered to drive-thru and walk-up food distributions, local and outstate food pantries, shelters and encampments.
“The success of Vinnies Hope far exceeded our expectations,” said Koerner. “The credit goes to an entire supply chain of good people – suppliers and partners, volunteers and employees – all to serve those who don’t have enough to eat. At the end of this journey, we all deserve a big round of applause,” he said, “Meeting our goal to build the fastest route between surplus food and the hungry filled millions of dinner plates with fresh, healthy meals.” Koerner said that St. Vincent de Paul - Twin Cities will begin searching immediately for new projects and opportunities to fulfill its mission to serve the poor.
No layoffs are expected as a result of the reorganization.
About St. Vincent de Paul - Twin Cities
Established in 1856 by Joseph Crétin, the first bishop of the St. Paul diocese, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul - Twin Cities (SVdP) is part of the world’s largest Catholic lay-persons’ charitable organization, with more than 800,000 members globally. Named for the Patron Saint of charitable works, 28 SVdP Parish Conferences in the Twin Cities and outstate Minnesota provide food, emergency assistance, mentorship, job training and personal relationships that change peoples’ lives. St. Vincent de Paul – Twin Cities operates thrift stores in Minneapolis and St. Paul providing clothing, shoes, housewares, books, furniture and seasonal goods. Learn more at svdpmpls.org
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MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. May 31, 2022 – The Society of St. Vincent de Paul – Twin Cites (SVdP) today announced it will discontinue operations of its food program in mid-June. Known as Vinnie’s Hope, the program launched in 2015 in support of the organization’s 166-year-old mission to serve our Minnesota neighbors struggling in poverty.
Since launching the food distribution program, Vinnie’s Hope has given away more than 31 million pounds of surplus food to those in need, much of it supplied by United Natural Foods (formerly SuperValu) of Eden Prairie, Minn. In April, United Natural Foods notified St. Vincent de Paul’s Executive Director, Ed Koerner, of plans to move its food donation program to Second Harvest Heartland.
“When Vinnie’s Hope was launched, we knew two things,” said Koerner. “There was too much surplus food going to waste – and too many families going hungry.” Within a short time, SVdP developed relationships with food manufacturers, wholesalers and club stores to collect fresh produce, dairy, protein and non-perishable groceries in addition to prepared meals. After SVdP employees and volunteers safely sort and repack for families or individuals, the food is quickly delivered to drive-thru and walk-up food distributions, local and outstate food pantries, shelters and encampments.
“The success of Vinnies Hope far exceeded our expectations,” said Koerner. “The credit goes to an entire supply chain of good people – suppliers and partners, volunteers and employees – all to serve those who don’t have enough to eat. At the end of this journey, we all deserve a big round of applause,” he said, “Meeting our goal to build the fastest route between surplus food and the hungry filled millions of dinner plates with fresh, healthy meals.” Koerner said that St. Vincent de Paul - Twin Cities will begin searching immediately for new projects and opportunities to fulfill its mission to serve the poor.
No layoffs are expected as a result of the reorganization.
About St. Vincent de Paul - Twin Cities
Established in 1856 by Joseph Crétin, the first bishop of the St. Paul diocese, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul - Twin Cities (SVdP) is part of the world’s largest Catholic lay-persons’ charitable organization, with more than 800,000 members globally. Named for the Patron Saint of charitable works, 28 SVdP Parish Conferences in the Twin Cities and outstate Minnesota provide food, emergency assistance, mentorship, job training and personal relationships that change peoples’ lives. St. Vincent de Paul – Twin Cities operates thrift stores in Minneapolis and St. Paul providing clothing, shoes, housewares, books, furniture and seasonal goods. Learn more at svdpmpls.org
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