This year has presented its share of challenges. For many local families, putting food on the table is a struggle due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With the holidays just around the corner, now is the perfect time to consider giving to others. By donating to area food shelves, you can help provide food for families in need.
HERE AT HOME
Food insecurity measures an individual or family’s ability to access available food. And every area of the state is touched by food insecurity. Right now, hunger affects 1 in 8 Minnesotans. Last year, this number was 1 in 11. Oftentimes someone must choose between food or utilities, transportation, medical care, and housing. An additional 275,000 Minnesotans, including 112,000 children, now face hunger as a result of the pandemic impact.
HOW TO HELP
Drop off donations of nonperishable items at a local food pantry. PRIME has provided information on some of the places helping area families and their websites to find more information, such as locations and donation hours.
AREA FOOD SHELVES
Anoka County Brotherhood Council (ACBC) Food Shelf & Clothing. So far this year, ACBC has served more than 4,100 families and distributed more than 373,000 pounds of food. ACBC is located at 2615 Ninth Ave. N. in Anoka and serves residents of Anoka County.
Buffalo Food Shelf. This community-based, Christian organization supplements food and personal hygiene items to those in need. The Buffalo Food Shelf is a nonprofit that serves the Buffalo community. Find it at 301-12th Ave. S. in Buffalo.
CAER Food Shelf. Joining hands to fight hunger, CAER provides emergency food assistance to Elk River, Zimmerman, and Otsego families in need. The nonprofit organization is located at 12621 Elk Lake Road in Elk River.
Community Emergency Assistance Program (CEAP). CEAP is located at 7051 Brooklyn Blvd., Brooklyn Center. CEAP is a community-based nonprofit whose mission is to provide resources and nourishment to create a strong, healthy, and connected community. The organization provides services to any neighbor in need, regardless of geography.
CROSS Services. CROSS Services, located at 12915 Weinand Circle in Rogers, is not currently in need of food donations. However, the nonprofit is accepting contributions for its 40th Annual Holiday Toy Drive.
The Food Group. A local nonprofit, The Food Group provides hunger relief while making food more affordable and accessible to those who need it. This group’s objective is to strengthen communities with nutritious food. The Food Group, located at 8501-54th Ave. N. in New Hope, serves 32 counties in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Hanover Area Food Shelf. This nonprofit provides “hope for the heart by putting food on the table. The organization serves Hanover, rural Buffalo, St. Michael, Albertville, and parts of Loretto and Corcoran. Hanover Area Food Shelf uses space inside St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, located at 11024 Church St. NE, Hanover.
HopeBridge Food Shelf. Community families and individuals can visit the food shelf once a month, without an appointment. HopeBridge Food Shelf is located at 4217 Boone Ave., New Hope.
Interfaith Outreach. This nonprofit is a resource for struggling families and individuals in Hamel, Long Lake, Medicine Lake, Medina, Minnetonka Beach, Orono, Plymouth, and Wayzata on low and fixed incomes. The Interfaith Outreach Food Shelf, located at 1605 County Road 101 N. in Plymouth, provides for more than 250 households every week. Children make up almost half of those receiving assistance.
Second Harvest Heartland. This organization connects community resources with those experiencing hunger. Second Harvest Heartland provides contributions to several different programs serving those in need.
For many who are struggling with food insecurity, the reliance on community food shelves is a reality – especially this year. Throughout the holidays and all year long, food pantries all over Minnesota rely on generous donations. Your contribution is immeasurably appreciated and can help provide food for families in need.
