Profile by Sanford helps stock food pantry shelves

Donation to Feeding South Dakota includes 16,000 meals

Profile by Sanford helps stock food pantry shelves

The COVID-19 pandemic has left many in need.

In need of solace, in need of money, and in some cases, in need of food.

In a time where it’s more important than ever to help one another out, Sanford Health‘s Profile by Sanford has stepped up in a big way, donating more than 16,000 meals to Feeding South Dakota.

“We all have something to be thankful for in a time like this. Those who are able to give, please continue to do so,” said Profile by Sanford marketing director Terra Zahn. Profile by Sanford is a weight loss and health coaching program that includes nutritional meals.

Filling the need

Feeding South Dakota executive director Matt Gassen says this donation couldn’t have come at a better time.

“The demand we’re seeing today is probably twice what it would normally be, which is high anyway but is even greater right now,” Gassen said.

“It’s an incredible donation to get at this time. Especially when we’re in the middle of the coronavirus crisis. Our inventory is being strained and stressed about as much as it can because of the demand we’re seeing for food assistance. This is just a great donation that’s going to help a lot of families.”

Related: Heart association reports COVID-19’s economic fallout expands food insecurity

Profile by Sanford donated this amount because of the large need, Zahn said.

Call to action

Zahn says the organization is challenging others to help out where they can.

“It was heavy in our hearts here at Profile to help our local communities. So we really looked to help stock the shelves of food banks across the country,” she said.

“We have 161 locations across the U.S., so we really put out the challenge to our franchisees to really get out and get involved in the community. This is just our part at our local efforts here in Sioux Falls,” Zahn added.

Gassen says small towns may have the biggest needs.

“We’ve got to remember that this is going on in every community in South Dakota, large or small. Some of the small communities are probably going to struggle as mightily as anybody with all the effects from this.”

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Posted In Community, COVID-19, Sioux Falls