A Conversation with Pat Schwalbe, Chief of Operations, and Chad Lanners, Executive Director
Chad Lanners: Pat, let’s talk about why food donations are so important, especially during the Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign.
Pat Schwalbe: Absolutely! Many people assume financial donations are the most impactful—and they are incredibly valuable—but food donations are just as essential – especially during MN Food Share’s March Campaign. Every pound of food we receive counts toward matching funds, helping us maximize financial contributions.
Last year alone, CROSS Services provided nearly two million pounds of food to families in need. That food came from a combination of community donations, fresh food rescue, and purchased products. The more food we receive through donations, the more we can stretch our financial resources to purchase high-demand items such as flour, sugar, oil, rice, pasta, tuna, and peanut butter.
Pat: Exactly. And the demand keeps rising. In the past year, families have visited CROSS over 20,000 times for food assistance. The need for our services has increased by 29% compared to 2023, so every donation—whether food, financial, or volunteer hours—matters now more than ever.
Chad: Can you tell us a story about one of our families?
Pat: Absolutely. We recently helped a single mother, Maria, who was struggling to feed her two young children after a divorce and unexpected job loss. She was overwhelmed but relieved when she came to CROSS Services and saw how much we could provide—not just food, but also school supplies and clothing for her kids. Thanks to generous community donations, Maria was able to get the support she needed while she got back on her feet. Now, she’s working again and even volunteers at CROSS Services to give back. It’s stories like Maria’s that remind us why every donation—big or small—makes a difference.
Chad: What would you say to someone who wonders whether their small donation really makes a difference?
Pat: I’d tell them—it absolutely does. Whether it’s a single can of soup, a $5 donation, or volunteering for a few hours, it all adds up. Last year, volunteers gave over 37,000 hours to support our mission. The power of collective action is what makes our work possible.
Chad: Any final thoughts on how people can help this March?
Pat: Donate food, give financially, and spread the word. Whether it’s a few bags of groceries, a single one-time donation or a sustaining donation, every action helps CROSS Services be the best possible stewards of our resources—and, most importantly, helps families in our community thrive.
Join us in making a difference! Donate today and help us unlock matching funds. Donate Now.
