Clayton County Food Shelf sees spike in demand

Coronavirus

Clayton County Food Shelf sees spike in demand

By JOHN JENSEN

The Outlook

   ST. OLAF — The Clayton County Food Shelf saw a surge in demand last week as much of the area shut down due to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic.

   Director Utoni Ruff said she normally sees about 85 families per month, yet saw at least 15 each day last week. She said many of the families were there because of lost jobs, though she also felt some were panicking.

   Due to rules implemented last week, clients were not permitted to enter the Food Shelf office, which is in the basement of the church in St. Olaf. Instead, Ruff said she put a doorbell out that she would ring. Food is taken outside and paperwork is also completed outside the building.

   Right now Ruff said there is plenty of food. She received two pallets of food Tuesday (March 17) and has four more coming this Tuesday (March 24).