Minnesota Mom Started ‘It’s Spooky to Be Hungry’—Now It’s Fed Millions in 30 Years
A mom's simple idea to help neighbors became a 30-year mission to end hunger
Key Takeaways
- Evelyn Browne started "It’s Spooky to Be Hungry" after finding her local food pantry empty.
- The grassroots fall food drive expanded across 24 counties and raised over $530,000 last year.
- Over 30 years later, the initiative continues providing millions of meals to families in need.
When Evelyn Browne learned her local food pantry was empty, she launched a grassroots project that, over 30 years, has provided millions of meals. Here, she shares her story with Woman’s World.
There has to be a way to bring our neighbors together to help families in need, Evelyn Browne thought after learning her Rochester, Minnesota, neighborhood food pantry had empty shelves. Maybe we can start a fall food drive!
Determined, Evelyn called her new mission It’s Spooky to Be Hungry and invited her community to help restock the food bank.
In the crisp October air, Evelyn and a friend bundled their toddlers into cozy jackets and strollers, then set out to collect bags of food neighbors had left by their doors.
The first year of the It’s Spooky to Be Hungry drive was a huge success, and Evelyn was eager to continue the tradition the following year.
A fresh start and a food drive that followed
But when her family relocated to Augusta, Georgia, she brought the effort with her, relaunching the food drive in her new neighborhood.
She joined forces with the nearby Golden Harvest Food Bank, and before long, neighborhoods, churches, businesses and civic organizations throughout Augusta were taking part.
Wow, it’s really happening, Evelyn thought as she watched children collect donations alongside their parents. Over the years, some of those kids grew up and began organizing food drives in their own communities — and the tradition of giving continued to spread.
Passing the torch to a new generation
Years later, the Browne family moved back to Minnesota.
I’m heartbroken to leave it behind, but the project will continue to grow, Evelyn thought bittersweetly, knowing her mission was in good hands with Golden Harvest.
By the time she said goodbye, It’s Spooky to Be Hungry had provided millions of meals for people facing hunger.
A tradition that’s still feeding thousands
Today, more than three decades after Evelyn first pushed a stroller through her Minnesota neighborhood, It’s Spooky to Be Hungry is still going strong. Families come together every fall to help feed their neighbors and the food drive has become part of a larger mission to fight hunger across 24 counties.
Last year, the Spooky campaign raised more than $530,000. Even from afar, Evelyn remains grateful for her years as founder of the program and for the way it continues to help others. What stays with her is the generosity and passion of everyone who has joined in.
“It’s such a warm and fun way for families and neighbors to serve,” she says. “People are so kind to give their time and their resources. They truly want to make a difference!”
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