(SIOUX FALLS, SD) Florists across central United States will gather over 20 tons of food for those in need November 7-12, 2022. Dubbed “Caring Rose Week,” the stores are deeply discounting bouquets of one dozen roses and accepting canned goods as partial payment.
Florists in each community designate a food-distribution charity in their area. The canned goods collected are distributed to feed those within the community who cannot otherwise meet their nutritional needs. Coming at the onset of seasonally cold weather, the program helps food-distribution programs when families begin to experience the greatest financial pressure.
The food contributed by Caring Rose Week donors is significant, not only in quantity, but in quality. Food pantries get wholesome foods not available from their traditional sources, and it goes to work in the communities where it is gathered.
Now in its 24th year, “Caring Rose Week” has distributed over one-half million pounds of food since its inception. The concept is the brainchild of Harry Whelden, General Manager of North American Wholesale Florists in Sioux Falls, SD. For more information about National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, see the National Coalition for the Homeless website: http://www. nationalhomeless.or