Edina Liquor Shatters Previous Records with Annual Food Drive

In its fifth annual food drive, Edina Liquor stores collected the equivalent of nearly 2,600 pounds of food donations for local families.

The three stores hauled in 875 pounds of food and $1,693 in donations, which converts to approximately 2,568 pounds of food. That figure marks a 50 percent increase over 2011 and a staggering six times the donations collected in 2010.

Steve Grausam, Edina's liquor operations director, said much of the success of this year's drive can be attributed to the efforts of both customers and staff members.

"Our customers' continued support and generosity really helps those who are less fortunate,” Grausam said. "Our staff also asked each customer if they wanted to add $1 for VEAP to their bill total. Not everyone remembers to bring a food donation, so this is another good way to help a great cause."

A lot of this year's collections—375 pounds of food and $100 in cash donations—came during a free community paper-shredding event at the Southdale Edina Liquor store in late October.

Grausam said the goal for this year was to grow donations by 20 percent, getting the final donation total close to 2,000 pounds. As the final results shattered his expectations, Grausam said he hopes 2013 sees similar results.

"I am setting my sights even higher for next year," he said. "Our goal is to increase donations by another 500 pounds, putting us over 3,000 pounds. Edina is such a great city; I know we can shatter this goal, too."

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