Imagine finding your next meal in a dumpster. That was the harsh reality for some until a compassionate pizzeria owner stepped in. Chris Kolstad of Pizza Man didn’t just turn a blind eye; he opened his heart and his kitchen. His simple offer sparked a movement, proving that a little kindness can go a long way. What would you do if you saw someone in need?
Chris Kolstad, the owner of Pizza Man in Columbia Heights, Minnesota, recently transformed a distressing observation into a powerful testament to human compassion. Faced with the escalating reality of individuals rummaging through his establishment’s dumpster for food, Kolstad recognized a profound need within his community that demanded a more dignified response than mere deterrence. His subsequent public appeal, offering warm meals instead of discarded scraps, quickly resonated, igniting a wave of local support and highlighting the urgent issue of food insecurity.
On July 29, Kolstad posted a heartfelt message on Facebook, directly addressing those he had witnessed struggling. “Please do not eat out of our dumpster,” he implored, emphasizing that “Nobody deserves that.” He extended an open invitation for anyone in need to simply ask for food, even suggesting methods for anonymous requests, such as leaving a note or calling for a pizza to be left discreetly. This innovative approach aimed to strip away the embarrassment often associated with seeking help, fostering a space of genuine understanding and community support.
The pizzeria owner’s compassionate initiative quickly gained traction, capturing the attention of both local residents and businesses. The post swiftly went viral, leading to an outpouring of offers to assist, including from establishments like Nozy’s Grill. Capitalizing on this momentum, Kolstad launched a donation link, which, by early August, had already amassed over $3,000, underscoring the collective desire to address hunger relief and contribute to local initiatives that make a tangible difference in people’s lives.
Kolstad revealed that signs of people foraging for food had been present since he took ownership of Pizza Man nearly six years prior. He distinguished these incidents from animal activity, noting human traces like empty water bottles and used napkins near discarded pizza boxes. His decision to make a public plea was catalyzed by a recent incident where his cook observed a woman eating garlic cheese bread from the trash directly in front of the store, a stark image that reinforced his commitment to social responsibility.
The simple act of providing a hot, fresh meal versus forcing someone to scavenge from a dumpster carries immense significance. Kolstad eloquently articulated the profound difference such an offering could make in an individual’s day, moving beyond mere sustenance to providing dignity and a moment of comfort. This act of kindness not only alleviates immediate hunger but also sends a powerful message of human value and empathy, critically addressing the psychological toll of food insecurity.
A significant beneficiary of the donations spurred by Kolstad’s actions has been Southern Anoka Community Assistance (SACA), a vital nonprofit food shelf in Columbia Heights. SACA has served its community for nearly 50 years, and its co-director, Dave Rudolph, highlighted a staggering 52% increase in assistance requests since 2020. In 2024 alone, SACA broke records, serving over 68,000 individuals, with children constituting a substantial 35% of those aided, illustrating the severe and growing demand for food assistance.
Over a month after his initial viral post, Kolstad’s initiative continues to provide vital support, having assisted close to 100 individuals facing food insecurity. The grateful response, including an anonymous note from a large family, underscores the personal impact of his efforts. Despite never personally experiencing hunger, Kolstad’s deep empathy and exposure to those who have shape his philosophy: “I can’t sit in a building full of food and watch somebody starve in my parking lot,” a sentiment that encapsulates the spirit of compassion and community action at the heart of this story.
This compelling narrative from Columbia Heights serves as a poignant reminder of the pervasive challenges of modern hunger and the transformative power of individual acts of kindness. It demonstrates how a single person’s decision to act with empathy can inspire widespread charity and galvanize a community to confront critical social issues, proving that solutions often begin with a willingness to see, to care, and to offer help where it is most desperately needed.
