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United Way of Freeborn County and Channel One Regional Food Bank are partnering to host a pop-up pantry 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday in the north parking lot of  United Way, 2610 Y.H. Hanson Ave. in Albert Lea.

Local families can pick up free, 30-pound boxes of food. Channel One reports the boxes include approximately enough food to feed a family of four for a week. The pop-up pantry is intended to supplement rather than replace other food sources. Information with a detailed listing of food resources in Freeborn County will be provided along with the boxes.

To ensure the safety of volunteers and residents, those picking up food will need to follow social distancing protocols at the drive-thru event. American Legion Riders volunteers will help with the pantry as well.

• Vehicles will pull up to the designated drive-thru location

• Drivers must remain in their vehicle

• Drivers will open their trunk remotely and the box will be placed in the trunk. If placing the box in the trunk is not an option, then the box will be placed in the back seat of the vehicle.

Food boxes are available to any local family in need, with a limit of one box per family.

If you are unable to pick up a box or if transportation is a barrier, call 507-373-8670.

United Way is meeting with local food pantries and hot meal sites throughout the county to assist with removing barriers to food access. Organizations and churches that would like to participate may call 507-373-8670 to be included.