Photo: Erin Lemke
As a new transplant to Lakeville, Erin Lemke was hoping to meet people and get more involved with the community when she signed up to volunteer with the Messiah Community Food Shelf about three years ago. The food shelf in Lakeville is one of five local food shelves operated by 360 Communities.
After the food shelf shut down for a brief period during the COVID-19 pandemic, Lemke was asked to join the leadership team and help manage the food shelf when it reopened. “I felt it was important,” she says. “There is such a need. We live in this beautiful area,
and sometimes the needs go unseen.”
The food shelf is open by appointment, so clients get to shop one-on-one with volunteers. This allows volunteers to help clients find the food that will best suit their needs, develop relationships with clients and refer clients to other resources that could improve their lives.
Not only does Lemke enjoy helping people through the food shelf, she’s also found the friendships and community she was seeking. “Our volunteers are literally like family,” she says. —Liz Potasek
Learn how 360 Communities delivers safety and stability that improves lives at the 15th annual Fire & Ice Gala on November 10 at Brackett’s Crossing Country Club, 17976 Judicial Road, Lakeville.
360 Communities
501 E. Highway 13 Suite 112, Burnsville; 952.985.5300
Facebook: 360 Communities
Instagram: @360communities
Twitter: @360communities
