PRISM calls for donations, action as first-time visits boom

PRISM used to get 6,000 pounds of food per month through TEFAP, items like chicken, fish and milk. But with cuts, “there will be 30-40% less available, 1,800-2,400 pounds less,” said Michelle Ness, executive director. “Perishables like these are among the most desired items by families who visit the food shelf.”

There are about 500 visits per week at PRISM, with 20-30 first-time families visiting the food shelf every day, Ness said, a figure consistent with other food shelves. “All of these numbers have gone up over the past year. Half of the individuals we serve are seniors or children. We served 38% more seniors this past February than last February,” she added.

PRISM prides itself on never turning visitors away, bringing people from Golden Valley and beyond to its shelves. “People are struggling to find food, and they will make a journey, they will drive. They want to go to places that feel safe and trusted,” Ness said.

For now, there’s no viable plan to replace lost TEFAP food. “We are inviting community members such as schools and businesses to run food drives. … Unfortunately, our budget does not allow us to spend any more than we already do to purchase food. Ultimately, it is less food for community members.”

Some of the current items in high need at the PRISM Marketplace are pasta, canned protein like chicken and tuna, large diapers and ice. Community members and organizations like schools and businesses can also host food drives — physical, virtual or monetary — to benefit PRISM and its recent budgeting gap.

“The hope really is that people are leaving in better shape than when they came in the door,” Ness said. “The more tools and resources we have available, the better.”