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   As more local families turn to the Food Shelf for assistance, community generosity is more important than ever.

   Hunger doesn’t take a holiday, and neither does the need to help our neighbors. As Give to the Max Day approaches on Thursday, November 19, 2026, the Longville Area Food Shelf is asking the community to come together to make a difference in the lives of local individuals, families, and seniors facing food insecurity.

   Give to the Max Day is Minnesota’s annual day of giving, when people across the state come together to support nonprofit organizations that make their communities stronger. For the Longville Area Food Shelf, this special day provides an opportunity to raise much-needed funds to help meet the growing demand for food and emergency assistance.

The Need Is Growing Right Here at Home

   The numbers tell an important story. As of September 30, 2026, the Longville Area Food Shelf has served 389 different households, representing 1,338 individuals. That is a 17% increase in households and a 23% increase in individuals compared to 2025.

   Even more significant is how frequently our neighbors need assistance. Through September, the Food Shelf recorded 2,400 household visits and 6,681 individual visits, both representing a 31% increase over the previous year.

   Behind every number is a neighbor — a senior living on a fixed income, a working family struggling with rising expenses, or someone facing an unexpected financial hardship.

   These statistics remind us that food insecurity is not just a problem somewhere else. It is happening right here in our own community.

More Than Just Food

   The Longville Area Food Shelf does much more than provide groceries. When unexpected hardships arise, the Food Shelf works to help neighbors get back on their feet.

   So far in 2026, emergency assistance has helped with gas cards, utility bills, rent, automobile repairs and car seats for infants. We also help with warm socks, school supplies, and we partner with Knights of Columbus to provide warm coats, snow pants, hats, and mittens for children.

   As the holiday season approaches, the Food Shelf is also preparing to distribute turkeys, hams, and chickens during regular Food Shelf hours to help make their holiday meals a little brighter.

   These programs are possible because of the generosity of people who care about their neighbors.

Your Gift Makes a Difference

   Every donation, large or small, helps the Longville Area Food Shelf continue its mission of providing food, compassion, and assistance to those who need it most.

   Give to the Max Day is an opportunity for our community to show what makes the Longville area so special — neighbors helping neighbors.

Early giving begins November 1 and Give to the Max Day is November 19.

   Donations can be made online at GiveMN.org by searching for Longville Area Food Shelf, or contributions can be mailed to: Longville Area Food Shelf, PO Box 308, Longville, MN 56655

   As we enter the season of Thanksgiving, we are reminded that having enough food on the table is something no one should have to worry about.

   Together, we can make sure our neighbors have the food and support they need — not just during the holidays, but throughout the year.

   Please consider making a gift to the Longville Area Food Shelf this Give to the Max Day. Because when our community gives together, our entire community grows stronger.

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