Wendy Harper/MDN Tammy Holen, owner of The Flower Box in Minot, holds a bouquet of roses while preparing for Caring Rose Week, a week set aside to help local community food banks.

Residents will have an opportunity to participate in a communitywide food drive Nov. 10-15 during the 27th Annual Caring Rose Week.

The Flower Box in Minot is continuing a long-running effort to support local community food banks by collecting canned goods.

Tammy Holen, Flower Box owner, said the tradition began through the corporate company that supplies the flowers and has continued locally for about 14 years under her ownership. She noted the event was motivated by a desire to help the community, where many residents face hunger-related needs.

Holen said the drive has grown steadily, supported by repeat donors as well as new participants each year. Some donate far beyond the two-can minimum, sometimes bringing full cases of food.

Individuals who donate two cans of food can purchase a dozen roses for $10.

One customer has become known for purchasing multiple dozens of roses and handing them out to people across the community. Holen described the gesture as one of several memorable moments tied to the event. She said that when donations are collected, the experience is joyful because participants know they are helping others.

The shop, located near the corner of Broadway and Burdick, boxes and bags the items before donating to different community organizations each year. Donations are loaded at the store’s bay doors for pickup.

Holen said she has had positive experiences working with food pantries, including relationships with volunteers at The Lord’s Cupboard. Holen said the drive builds trust because residents know the business is doing something positive for the community.

Customer support has remained steady over time, with the exception of reduced participation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Holen recalled nervousness during the first year because she had to purchase roses upfront. After a successful response, she committed to holding the drive annually. The event has continued without major challenges, often selling out of roses each year.

With years of support behind it, Holen said, she has no plans to change the format of the food drive, calling it a successful and rewarding tradition.