Every Wednesday: Fresh Culturally Appropriate Food for Latino Families in Minneapolis

In Minneapolis, the nonprofit organization CLUES has been running a food shelf program called "Canasta Familiar" every Wednesday since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. This initiative primarily serves Latino families, providing them with fresh produce and culturally appropriate food. The demand for this service has significantly increased, with the number of families served rising from approximately 200 to 400 per week over the past year. This surge is attributed to a growing influx of migrants, particularly from Ecuador, Venezuela, and Colombia, seeking better opportunities in Minnesota. CLUES President Ruby Azurdia-Lee highlighted the challenges faced by the Latino community, noting that the need for assistance has doubled in recent times. The organization relies heavily on volunteers, such as Tanya Astudillo, an Ecuadorian immigrant who has benefited from the food shelf and now works in food service. Her involvement exemplifies the spirit of giving back to the community. The organization is actively seeking more volunteers to sustain its efforts in supporting Latino families. Azurdia-Lee emphasized the importance of welcoming new arrivals and providing them with the necessary resources to thrive in their new environment. This commitment to service is crucial as the community continues to grow and evolve. Additionally, CLUES participates in community events, such as Xcel Energy's Day of Service, where volunteers distribute dental hygiene kits during Fiesta Latina, an annual celebration for Hispanic Heritage Month. Last year, the event saw the distribution of 3,000 kits, further demonstrating CLUES' dedication to improving the well-being of the Latino community in Minneapolis.