Organization had food drops in Perham, Fergus Falls, Staples, Menahga

By Tucker Henderson

Reporter

While food pantries across the United States are seeing historically high usage for low income families and individuals in need, local food shelves and specialty food drops have been a saving grace for those living paycheck to paycheck. One of those food drops, Ruby’s Pantry, which had local distributions in Perham, Fergus Falls, Staples and Menahga, has shuttered its doors permanently.

Ruby’s Pantry was founded in 2003 in memory of Ruby A. Flodin, a woman known for her generosity and her faith in Jesus Christ. The food distribution was not closed to anyone, in fact their motto was that “Ruby’s Pantry is for anyone that eats!” With no income or residency requirement, the $25 bundles helped families and individuals stretch their monthly grocery budget throughout the year.

With 82 pop-up locations across Minnesota and Wisconsin as well as one each in North Dakota and Iowa, the pantry helped feed thousands of people each year. Food donated by corporate donors made it possible for donations to cover expenses such as trucking, gas, and warehouse staff.

RoxAnn Sahr, Executive Director, sent out a notice on March 18 asking that the suggested donation per bundle go from $25 to $30 as a temporary financial measure which would have become effective on April 1. Instead, the news came on March 31 that the pantry would be closing its doors permanently.

“Over the past several months, we have been thoughtfully realigning the work, structure and focus of Ruby’s Pantry to ensure our mission remains at the center of everything we do,” read the organization’s Facebook post. “As part of the process, we have worked to better align community needs with our goal of operating in the most effective and seamless way possible.

“As a result, we have decided to end the operation of Ruby’s Pantry effective immediately,” the post continued. “We recognize that this is difficult news to receive and do not take this decision lightly.”

In recent years the food distribution network served about 24,000 families, which made up around 60,000 individuals and had 70 employees with countless volunteers. With 18 semi-tractors, 25 refrigerated trailers, and nine buildings, they were able to serve all 82 monthly pop-up locations which were sponsored by local churches.

“God has blessed Ruby’s for over 20 years, and it has been an incredible journey,” finished the Facebook post. “It all started from a vision to help others through a single blessing box. We are truly grateful for your contributions and dedication throughout your time with Ruby’s Pantry. Thank you for the important role you have played on this journey and for the impact you have made in service of our mission.”

Those who relied on Ruby’s Pantry to extend their grocery budget are encouraged to visit one of the local food pantries such as the New York Mills Food Shelf, The Bridge Pantry which has a mobile service in Ottertail, as well as the Wadena Food Shelf.