Edina Liquor Collecting Donations for Food Shelf

are currently collecting food and cash donations in support of local food shelf Volunteers Enlisted to Assist People (VEAP).

Edina Liquor is providing donors with a 10-percent discount if they donate at least five non-perishable food items, in addition to giving customers the chance to donate $1 to VEAP upon checkout. This is Edina Liquor's fourth year of taking part in the food drive, in partnership with MillerCoors and the Minnesota Municipal Beverage Association.

"There is a great need in our communities and we want to help," said Steve Grausam, liquor operations director.

The store which collects the most food will receive a $1,000 check to donate to the food shelf of its choice.

VEAP—a nonprofit agency serving low-income seniors and disabled residents of Edina, Bloomington, Richfield and South Minneapolis—claims need has increased more than 10 percent in the past few years. The statewide push from municipal liquor stores has seen donations increase from 11 tons of food in 2008 to more than 27 tons in 2010, according to city officials.

Grausam hopes to collect 30 tons of food this year.

"I know Edinans can help make this goal a reality," he said. "We are so grateful for the community’s support."

The food drive continues through Monday, Oct. 31. For additional information, contact Grausam at (952) 903-5732.