If you live in Plymouth, there’s a new opportunity to have your organic waste  collected right from your home! Our own Alison Cerier has been working with the city of Plymouth to get this set up. You can take your old egg shells, fruit peels, bones etc and turn them into lovely garden soil—it’s a miracle! Sign up here.

Keep your regular items coming! The next pick up is March 14th! Every other week, Ridwell picks up: styrofoam, fabric and shoes, crinkly plastic (any bags that make noise when you squish), plastic film (you can punch your thumb through) and lightbulbs. The special items for this pick up are purses, belts and wallets in good condition. Ridwell is partnering with Bridging for these donations. Future pick ups will include: electronics, wine corks, bread tags, bottle caps, silverware/kitchen utensils, denim clothing, pet leashes/collars/food, and glasses. Please contact Kathy Stuebner at 612.590.9606 or Sue Asinger at 612.703.2297 with questions.

Hennepin County District 6, which represents much of the West Metro, doesn’t have a commissioner right now. There are 5 candidates running for the office. Members of the Zero Burn Coalition are trying to meet with each candidate for an in depth discussion about their position on shutting down the HERC incinerator and other climate issues. Please join us for the first meeting with Jen Westmoreland on Friday, March 15 at 2 p.m. at St Luke Presbyterian Church in Minnetonka. 

When comparing Interfaith’s food shelf data over the last three fiscal years, we saw a 16% increase in pounds of food distributed – and a 74% increase in food spending. The major increase in spending can be attributed to unrelenting rises in grocery costs, in particular for staples that are most requested by clients: fresh produce and meats. That’s why we invite you to support Prevent Hunger, our annual drive to end food insecurity in our community, by participating in our Food & Funds Drive. This year, we’re asking the community to donate specific items to supplement our food shelf inventory using our easy online SignUp Genius Food Drive. Needed items include: Name-brand boxed cereal, Canned tuna, Canned chicken, Vegetable oil (24 oz. bottles), Salad dressing, Hearty soups. We are also in need of paper bags (for packing food shelf goods), as well as paper towels, maxi pads, and tampons. You can drop off items at the collection area at UUCM or bring them directly to IOCP.