MARSHALL, MN — The nonprofit that runs five regional food shelves is calling for donations and volunteers during the March for Meals campaign after reporting heavy demand last year.
Nicole Knoblach, the food and nutrition manager with United Community Action Partnership (UCAP), said the network, which operates sites in Marshall, Tracy, Westbrook, Heron Lake and Worthington, handled large volumes in 2025. “In Marshall alone we served over 5547 households in 2025. That breaks it down to over 15,000 individuals. We distributed 393,000 plus pounds of food, which averages out to be 26 lbs per person,” Knoblach said.
Volunteer Steve Hamner described the work as constant and physical: “We’re open 12 days during the month … so you think about that in one day, 2,500 lbs of food. So you can tell that it’s a constant restocking shelves, restocking freezers, restocking coolers. It’s a constant job and also a constant need that we have here in Marshall.” Steve Hamner
Knoblach and Hamner highlighted specific items in high demand like large jars of peanut butter, canned chicken, complete-meal soups, baking supplies like flour and sugar, pasta and sauces, and healthy snacks. Hamner noted how quickly donations move through the shelves. “Jellies and jams … gone in the day.”
The food-shelf operation relies on several partners to stretch donations and dollars, including regular deliveries from Second Harvest Heartland and local grocery and food-rescue partners. Knoblach explained why monetary gifts are particularly useful: “With Second Harvest, we are able to get those funds to stretch them out further. So what we spend at the store for a can of soup over a dollar, we’re able to get that for a lot cheaper. … Ground beef … we get it for a little over a dollar a pound, so.”
As part of March for Meals the group is aiming to raise $50,000 to help keep shelves stocked throughout the year. “Our goal is to raise $50,000 in funds,” Knoblach said. The nonprofit will host a Marshall radio roadshow and a donation drive at Hy-Vee on March 10, and shoppers will be able to drop items into a featured cart while they shop.
For those who prefer to give by check or online, Knoblach offered clear instructions: “You can write it out to Marshall Kitchen Table and send it to 1400 S Saratoga St. We also have PayPal and on any of our flyers you’ll see our QR code and that will take you right to the PayPal site.”
Volunteers said the work is rewarding and varied, from unloading pallets to flattening plastic bags for reuse. “The words have not been invented yet to tell you what it’s the feeling you get from it,” Hamner said of volunteering at the food shelf.
Those interested in donating, volunteering, or learning more can visit the nonprofit’s website or look for the Marshall radio roadshow event on March 10.
