The journey in Cook County began when Reverand Mary Ellen Ashcroft, then-Vicar of Spirit of the Wilderness, encouraged the church to take on the leadership of the food distribution in Cook County and sign the agreement with Ruby's Pantry 10 years ago. Since then, the program has partnered with several local businesses and organizations that have provided space and resources for the monthly distributions. These include Cook County High School, the Cook County Community Center, Great Expectations School, The Hub, and the Cook County Highway Department. The Cook County Ruby's Pantry Leadership Team, which currently includes Carol Stender, Phil Grave, Donna And Orvis Lunke, Tim and Beth Kennedy, Karen Halbersleben, Amber Pfiel, Jane Shinners, and Bob and Ginny Padzieski, told Boreal Community Media, "We are grateful for the cooperation of each of these entities!"

 Photo: Ruby's Pantry

The food distribution events are for anyone who eats or for those who want to stretch their grocery budget. Each share is $25, with free gift certificates available, regardless of income. Certificates can be picked up at distribution events, Cook County Public Health and Human Services, the Grand Portage and Grand Marais food shelves, and through the WIC program. In March, out of 111 distributed shares, 85 gift certificates were issued. Donations from individuals to Cook County Ruby's Pantry, Empty Bowls, and the Hunger Heroes program, facilitated through the North Shore Federal Credit Union, help cover the cost of gift certificates, an amount that can reach up to $25,000 per year. 

Future of the program in Cook County

Earlier this year, it was announced that the program was at risk of ending due to low participation. Ruby's Hart requires a certain number of shares to be ordered each month for delivery of the shares to Grand Marias, an amount that was not being met. After the announcement, participation did begin to increase; however, the program's future remained uncertain. 

The Leadership Team shared with Boreal Community Media that they are partnering with the Cook County Food Network System to create a system that will better serve the community's need for healthy food. "We will be continuing. We heard lots of support, and lots of people still want us to continue," they said.  

 Photo: Ruby's Pantry

Gratitude for the past 10 years

The Leadership Team expressed gratitude to the volunteers who have contributed to the organization over the past decade. "Sometimes, we would have up to 60 volunteers, or like in March, 34. We still have many of the original volunteers who have been a part of Cook County Ruby’s Pantry for the whole 10 years. However, we could not have given out 24,406 shares in our 10 years without all of those who came out and helped each month," they said. Specifically, the group thanked several long-time volunteers, including members of the Leadership Team, Melodee and Dan Riddle, Glen and Renee Larson, Nikki Boostrom, Val Gustafson, Craig and Diane Peterson, Michael Peterson, Jim Shinners, and Anne Hegg. 

Other thanks from the Leadership Team go to other local businesses and organizations for the use of equipment, such as forklifts from the schools, Cook County Highway Department, and the Recycling Center. Beth's Fudge and Gifts has allowed the organization to utilize its recycling trailer to haul cardboard. 

Looking ahead

Distribution events are held on the second Tuesday of each month. Currently, they are taking place at the Cook County Community Center. 

Volunteers are needed, and on-site training is provided. Anyone interested can show up between 3:30 and 6:30 during distribution events. 

The organization is also collecting donations to celebrate its 10th anniversary. Along with covering the costs of the free gift certificates, Cook County Ruby's Pantry also covers some of the costs of food transportation. 

Donations can be mailed to: