As PROP Food Shelf has expanded over its 50-year history, it has cemented itself as a pillar of the Eden Prairie and Chanhassen communities. Through community support, PROP has been able to continue its mission of combating food insecurity. Its partnerships with several local churches are a major part of that support.
Eden Prairie United Methodist Church (EPUMC) has held a longstanding relationship with PROP. “One of the main focuses of our congregation is food insecurity. It is part of EPUMC’s identity,” explained volunteer Elizabeth Littlefield. EPUMC’s support takes on many roles, but their largest effort is their PROP GARDEN. The project starts off every spring with soil prep and seed planting, then a dedicated group from the church maintains the garden. “Weekly deliveries are made as soon as the first harvest and continue until the end of the season,” Elizabeth said. “It is a labor of love and very successful.” The garden yields 2,000 pounds of fresh produce yearly for PROP.
Eden Prairie Assembly of God (EPAG) heard of PROP through a board member who volunteered. After learning more about the organization, EPAG initiated a partnership. “Our connection with PROP has afforded us the opportunity to refer people in need,” Pastor Chris Cleveland shared.
Prairie Lutheran Church is another longtime partner of PROP. The church emphasizes that taking care of physical needs — like food insecurity — is just as important as spiritual ones. “We want to share the love of Jesus by providing food for those who might not be able to afford their own,” expressed Pastor Ashley Updegraff. “We value our partnership with PROP and do several drives for them and with them each year.”
What all of these churches have in common is their involvement with PROP’s Summer Food For Kids (SFFK) program. The SFFK program helps fill the gaps our children and families face during the summer months when students do not have access to the free meals provided by their schools. Families with children up to 18 years old receive additional food and snack options during their normal food visit to PROP. Through partnership with over 20 local businesses, faith communities, and organizations, PROP aims to serve more than 1,000 kids during summer 2024.
EPUMC, EPAG, and Prairie Lutheran Church all support PROP’s Summer Food For Kids Program in different ways. Halfway through the summer, the impact they have made so far is remarkable. EPUMC chooses one item every summer to create 900 meals for kids. This year, they are aiming for 900 boxes of pasta, and they’ve already created a large dent in that goal. “This takes a great team of motivators, communication, visuals who tap into the generous, caring and supportive members of EPUMC,” Elizabeth said. Alongside financial contributions, EPAG has been able to donate more than 3,700 boxes of mac and cheese to SFFK. “We want to ensure that kids have the food they need,” Chris explained. EPAG’s commitment is not slowing down anytime soon.
Prairie Lutheran Church is collecting peanut butter jars this summer and getting kids of their church involved too. “Our VBS kids — only 6 of them! — collected 36 jars. The congregation will join them in this effort, but what a great start,” Ashley expressed. “The kids were so eager to help other kids have access to food.” Prairie Lutheran Church is aiming to collect 300 jars total by the end of the summer.
These churches walk in their faith by supporting their communities’ needs, putting others above themselves. “Food insecurity can happen to anyone, and it’s important that we know that,” Ashley shared. “I hope to continue growing our generosity, and I hope we get more person-to-person opportunities for service. I think giving money or items is one thing, but we are called to walk alongside people, too.”