Agency Details:

Channel One Food Bank and Food Shelf

The mission of Channel One is "to help feed people in need."

Description:
Channel One is a regional Food Bank:

The Channel One Food Bank acts as a clearing house of donated food by gathering, warehousing, and sometimes repackaging donated food from producers, manufacturers, wholesalers, brokers, and retailers. Food is then distributed to food shelves and other charitable 501(c)(3) agencies with food assistance programs in Southeast Minnesota and La Crosse County in Wisconsin.

Channel One is a local Food Shelf:

The Supplemental Food Shelf provides a 5-day supply of food on a monthly basis to income-eligible Olmsted County residents. Funding for the food shelf is provided by the state of Minnesota, the United Way of Olmsted County, and individual food and monetary donations.

History:
The first food shelf in Rochester, Minnesota opened in 1980 as a senior citizens food co-op at the YMCA (now known as the Rochester Family Y). Many things were done to raise money for the first food shelf, from washing cars to writing grants. Churches have been one of Channel One's strongest support from the beginning, contributing food, cash, and a consistent volunteer base, which continues today.

Over the years Channel One has grown, expanding it's services to people of all ages. Channel One became a food bank, which began its operation in 1983. The food bank distributes food to non-profit agencies and food shelves throughout Southeast Minnesota and La Crosse County, Wisconsin. Thanks to United Way funding, the Supplemental Food Shelf was established in 1984, serving individuals and families of Olmsted County. The Board of Directors of Channel One currently consists of 10 voting members, representing various facets of the local and regional communities.

Contact person: Julie Christensen, Volunteer Recruiter / Community Relations Coordinator, (phone), (email)

Office fax number: (507) 287-2351

Address:

131 35th Street SE Rochester, MN 55904 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.channel-one.org

Directions:

From downtown Rochester: Take South Broadway (Highway 63) past the Highway 52 interchange. Take the 40th Street exit off of Highway 63. Make a left at the stoplight. Go over the bridge and make a left onto the frontage road. Head. . . (more)   Nearest Bus Stop: Route 6 & Route 14

Last updated on November 3, 2009