FALLS HUNGER COALITION INC

In April 1988 an anti-hunger workshop was facilitated in International Falls, resulting in the forming of Falls Hunger Coalition, Inc. Several people attending the workshop wanted to do more in Koochiching County to meet the needs of the hungry. Together they wrote the grants necessary to start Falls Hunger Coalition’s Food Shelf, set operational goals and designed a plan to fulfill their mission statement of “Feeding the Hungry in Koochiching County”. In 1988 the organization was incorporated as a 501-C3 non-profit business. Federal Tax exempt status was granted in January 1989, and Lorrene Loken was hired as Executive Director. Space for the food shelf was rented at the ‘old’ Falls High School, where Falls Hunger Coalition remained until 1994. Out growing their space, Falls Hunger Coalition moved to the newly renovated Forestland Building, where we remain today. Over the years, additional programs were added as need and opportunity presented themselves. Upon inception, Falls Hunger Coalition’s Food Shelf provided income eligible clients with prefilled boxes of staple food, once every 60 days, as needed. Realizing that each client’s tastes were different and some items in the box were not being used; a list of available food items was reviewed with clients by an intake specialists, thus giving clients some choice on the food received. This process proved to be more productive and help maintain food stock costs. In 2007 the food shelf decided to go to 100% client choice. With these changes came the need for a larger facility, so FHC packed up and moved across the hall to accommodate grocery shelves and carts. Client choice enables clients to select their own food, much like a grocery store, allowing the ability to choose from a wide variety of foods and better enabling clients to meet their personal dietary needs. This has proven to be both beneficial to our clients as well as our volunteers. With an increasing need for food support, FHC now offers assistance once every 30 days as needed. When FHC began the idea was to operate and maintain an emergency food shelf for those in need. After 25 years of providing food to those in Koochiching County, FHC has expanded their scope and now have more programs to offer our clients. Meal programs, nutritional education, voucher distribution and supplemental food boxes are just a few of the new programs offered through Falls Hunger Coalition. We also partner and network with area Social Service providers in the hopes toward self sufficiency for our clients. The true power behind our operation and services we are able to provide comes from our volunteers, Board of Directors, and community member’s support and dedication. Falls Hunger Coalition currently operates with 9 board members, 2 part time staff and 30 plus volunteers. Without these supporters and all their hard work, FHC wouldn’t be able to help those in need. Thank you to our wonderful community for over 25 years of continual support. Our doors are open because you care.