One of the largest non-government nutrition response in Minnesota

The Sheridan Story distributes over 168,000 meals in last 4 days to hundreds of thousands of children and families as they become increasingly affected by school closures resulting from coronavirus (COVID-19) health concerns

The Sheridan Story has distributed over 44,000 food bags containing more than 168,000 meals to children and families affected by school closures in Minnesota and Western Wisconsin, making it one of the largest non-government nutrition responses in Minnesota. Our original goal of 330,000 meals was quickly surpassed, and thousands of additional food bags containing 575,000 meals are being prepared for delivery by our staff and volunteer network.

Due to statewide closures, schools are unable to distribute our food bags to students through our normal weekend food program, in addition to being unable to provide free and reduced meals. The Sheridan Story has been working closely with over 31 districts in Minnesota and Western Wisconsin, who are now coordinating all nutrition response and creating food distribution points for their students. We are providing food bags at these distribution points during the closures, which we expect will last at least 6-8 weeks. This temporary restructuring of our normal direct-to-school delivery model allows us to continue distributing nutritious meals to food insecure children and families during the coronavirus pandemic.

This crisis will amplify food insecurity statewide. During this time of need, it is critical for us to be a source of nutritious food and hope to the more than 87,000 students on free and reduced meal programs in the districts we serve, which accounts for 30% of all such students in the state.

“Thanks to collaborative efforts with our network, our coronavirus response distribution model is a solution that will allow us to continue to fill food gaps for those hit hardest by the nutritional disruptions caused by coronavirus,”

– Rob Williams, Executive Director

Given the uncertain timeline to schools reopening, we are counting on sustained community support to help us stay prepared. Generosity from the community is more important than ever during this time of heightened need. Individuals and companies can best lend a hand by donating. Each $100 makes it possible for 25 children to receive meals.

For additional information on our response and how you can help, visit our coronavirus page.