MINNEAPOLIS (KMSP) -
March is Minnesota Food Share Month, so think about donating to your local pantry. Instead of just grabbing the canned corn or boxes of mac and cheese, consider donating ethnic foods.
There is a growing demand for Asian, West African and Hispanic foods.
Volunteers are working hard the Salvation Army has seen a 25 percent increase in overall need.
They are collecting and need ethnic rice, black and green beans, bamboo shoots and bean sprouts.
Major Jeff Strickler says providing those foods is important because it makes for a better overall relationship.
Strickler says, "We know what their needs and preferences are for food, and it makes a nice connection as we work together with them holistically."
You don't have to go to specialty stores to find ethnic foods. Many major chain grocery stores carry them in special isles.
Also, summer is a great time to donate because the kids don't get their regular meals when school is out.
