Irene Abels and Deb Beatty represent the New Ulm Area Emergency Food Shelf at Sunday’s 100 Women Who Care giving event.

NEW ULM — The New Ulm Area Emergency Food Shelf received $10,000 Sunday evening during the biannual giving event hosted by the local chapter of 100 Women Who Care at the New Ulm Country Club.

The group selects one nonprofit to receive funding through individual $100 contributions from members. Attendees nominate organizations by submitting names into a box. Three contenders are drawn at random once the meeting begins.

This year’s nominees included Tea for Cancer, the Grand Center for Arts and Culture, and the New Ulm Area Emergency Food Shelf. Irene Abels presented on behalf of the food shelf, which was selected following member voting.

The food shelf reported serving 1,602 families and 3,500 individuals in 2025, including 1,300 adults over age 65. Family usage has steadily increased compared to earlier years, reflecting ongoing shifts in community need. Monetary donations declined 22 percent over the past two years, and food contributions also decreased.

The organization operates with one paid executive director and approximately 25 monthly volunteers. Additional support is provided by church groups that assist clients in selecting groceries.

The food shelf also administers the Commodity Supplemental Food Program, formerly known as NAPS, a monthly food distribution for income-qualified seniors in partnership with Second Harvest Heartland.

Clients include individuals on fixed incomes, those experiencing homelessness, and persons affected by domestic violence or emergency situations. Some arrive on foot or bicycle, with limited ability to transport or store food. Others seek emergency assistance following house fires or other crises.

The donation will support building maintenance, equipment updates, and the purchase of essential food items.

Coordinators for 100 Women Who Care New Ulm Area include Michelle Markgraf, Melanie Mohrer, and Amy Pearson.

The local chapter was established in 2021 and meets twice a year. Since its founding, the group has donated more than $100,000 to Brown County nonprofits. Past recipients include NUMAS Haus, Oak Hills Living Center, Enterprise North, Tea for Cancer, Be the Light, and Pro Kinship for Kids.

Women interested in joining the local chapter of 100 Women Who Care New Ulm Area can follow the group on Facebook or attend an upcoming giving event. Membership is open to any woman willing to contribute $100 twice a year.