MEI Total Elevator Solutions has been with us through all of our “ups and downs” over the last seven years (no pun intended). In fact, they were one of the first corporate groups to roll up their sleeves and volunteer with us during the pandemic.

As MEI CEO, John Romnes, shares upon making their most recent generous financial contribution, “Our company continues to be blessed with growth and profitability and we feel fortunate to be able to share our ‘blessings’ with you. We hope this funding helps provide resources to continue your work and positively impact the people and the communities within your reach.”

And impact it has: Their total contributions have resulted in over 101,000 meals for families, children, and seniors throughout our NE Minnesota and NW Wisconsin communities. We’re grateful for MEI and all of our corporate and business supporters who continue to impact our neighbors experiencing hunger each and every day.

During the pandemic, special USDA programs like the Emergency Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (E-SNAP) provided additional food support to individuals and families. Unfortunately, these programs have now ended, inflation continues to impact our neighbors, and summer is creating a perfect storm.

“My grandchildren stay with us while their parents work,” Connie shares at a recent food shelf distribution. “We are both retired and also have a lot of medical bills right now.” 

Like many of our Northland neighbors, Connie is doing her best to support her family. She tries to remain hopeful as she cares for her husband Rich, who has dementia and was recently diagnosed with cancer, along with her two grandchildren.

Your support of families like hers is especially important now that the price of groceries has increased. You ensure meals and hope at an important time. “We appreciate this healthy food so much,” Connie shares.