DULUTH, MN. (Northern News Now) – A Duluth food shelf set a goal of raising $100,000 and 50,000 pounds of food in one month.

Chum is participating in Minnesota FoodShare Month and they’re looking to stock their shelves with supplies.

Representatives with Chum said there is usually a major drop in donations from now until April as holiday giving has slowed and people are saving money for tax season.

The need for food increases in the summer, so the non-profit wants to be ready.

This year, they are placing an extra emphasis on Chum’s partnership with local farmers.

“In the long run, we’re feeding people that most definitely wouldn’t ever be able to afford Food Farm carrots or Agate Acres lettuce. It’s things like that that make what we do so amazing,” said Scott Van Daele, Chum’s Director of Distributive Services.

Chum’s partnership allows them to use cash donations to invest in those Northland farms, which not only supports the local businesses but also guarantees a supply of fresh fruits and vegetables.

“Good, fresh food shouldn’t be gate-kept and only allowed by certain people to eat it,” said Emily Richey, owner of Agate Acres. “Everybody should have an opportunity to do that whether it comes from here or in their own garden or whatnot.”

Chum will take both food and cash donations.

For every $1 that’s donated, the non-profit can buy $3 worth of food thanks to their partnerships.

The campaign runs until April 6.

To learn more or to donate, click here.

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