11/04/2025
This month, we’re reflecting on what community means to us. Community is who we celebrate with in the good times, and who we lean on during challenging times. It requires us to be present, vulnerable, accountable, and consistent. Over the present two years, we have celebrated with our small but mighty Care Doula community. We've shared meals together through our International Supper Club. We've celebrated anniversaries, birthdays, holidays, and weddings. We've also showed up during the challenging times: delivering meals to those recovering from surgery, going through cancer treatment, mourning the loss of a love one. It is truly an honor to be present during those big moments and all the little moments inbetween.
AND community is so important when our social safety nets fail. As a dietitian and public health professional, I cannot not speak on the fact that SNAP benefits were suspended November 1st. These benefits are essential for children, seniors, and people with disabilities. SNAP benefits ensure that some of the most vulnerable people in our community are fed and nourished. I've thought long and hard about how Care Doula can help in this current moment, and I am going to let the people and organizations that have been doing this work to take the lead.
Below are organizations serving that Greater Mankato area that have been helping keep are community fed through the years. If you still need additional help or support, Care Doula has soups and family meals on hand. We are more than happy to meet with you one-on-one and help brainstorm meal ideas with what you receive from food shelves and other meal programs. If you do need additional support, please reach out to thecaredoula@gmail.com
This is by no means an extensive list but the first place to start:
1. South Central MN Food Recovery
2. Echo Food Shelf
3. FOCP BackPack Food Program
4. Partners for Housing
