 Volunteers are putting the finishing touches on the Bemidji Community food shelf harvest ball. The roast turkey dinner and silent auction will benefit the farm at the food shelf. Mal Meyer reports. 3,000 families went to the food shelf last year. For the last three years, the farm has been helping add to the shelves. Our farm project thus far has raised almost 25,000 pounds of produce that have gone to food shelf families. Volunteers help tend to the farm by helping plant seeds, spread compost and harvest the crops. About 20 to 30 volunteers help at the shelf each day. I know there's that need in this area that people need food, and so it's just a good feeling to be able to help with that process. The farm's finances are different from the food shelf, which is why they're hoping to hold this fundraiser each year. We'd like to establish something that can go on annually and a way for the public in general to support us. The farm currently operates using grants, but the harvest ball would help raise money for different expenses and projects. Do things like buying fuel and seeds and chemicals and to pay for help when we need to pay for help. The farm is hoping to build a winter greenhouse to be able to grow vegetables like tomatoes, potatoes and green beans all year long. If we can get tomatoes sooner and we can get tomatoes later, then that helps us stretch out that season. In Bemidji, I'm Al Meyer, Lakeland News. The ball will be held Thursday night from 5 to 9 at the Bemidji Eagles Club. Ticket information can be found at BemidjiFoodShelf.org. If you've enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax deductible contribution to Lakeland Public Television. Thank you.