In July when the government of the State of Minnesota shut down, we were all relieved to have Store To Door deemed an “essential service” through the appeal process set up by the state.
When we communicated our relief to be able to continue providing our service, some of our supporters expressed surprise that Store To Door received any funding from the state.
We thought we’d take the opportunity to let you know all the sources of funding for the service we provide.
How does Store To Door sustain its operations so we can shop for and deliver groceries to over 1,400 homebound elderly each year?
For 2010-11, we budgeted expenses of $1.06 million. We must operate with a balanced budget so we had to raise revenue to meet those expenses. Our biggest expense is for staff. In addition, we pay for insurance and office rent, our online ordering system, and vehicle operations and maintenance.
The funding for these expenses is generated by:
- writing grant requests to foundations and corporations who see the value of our mission to help elderly adults stay independent by providing food in their homes;
- working with the Metro Area Agency on Aging to qualify for State of Minnesota Nutrition Support Services funds from the Minnesota Department of Human Services;
- earned income which includes the delivery contribution/fee requested of every client as well as reimbursements for deliveries made to those eligible for the federal Alternative Care or Elderly Waiver programs;
- asking individuals who share a passion for Store To Door’s mission to make financial contributions.
For Store To Door to continue working to achieve its mission, each of these revenue streams must remain robust or an alternative stream must be identified. At the federal level, attention is increasingly being paid to the nutritional needs of elderly adults, but grocery shopping and delivery services are not specifically funded. Funding from the Minnesota Department of Human Services has been reduced for next year and it was reduced last year. Foundations and corporation resources are being asked to pick up an increasing share of support while their own endowments drop.
Goodwill from hundreds of people, including volunteer and paid staff, clients and community supporters allows Store To Door to stay in operation. We count on you to continue to support us and spread the word. We thank you for your continual support and your belief in the value of our service in supporting the seniors in our communities.