Bountiful Basket Foodshelf of Eastern Carver County

Bountiful Basket food shelf is open 5 days a week in addition to the first and third saturday of each month. The last half of the fiscal year saw a dramatic increase in the demand for services. We distributed over 750,000 pounds of food serving approximately 32,000 individuals, an increase of 112% compared to 2021-2022. Approximately 34% of those served are children and 7% are senior citizens. Our food shelf is set up as a choice-model and has recently transitioned to a supershelf. Individuals make appointments and choose from a variety of food that fits their dietary, culinary, and cultural needs. Food that is always available includes fresh and non-perishable produce, dairy, proteins, and grains. On average, families receive approximately 20-25 pounds of food per individual. Shoppers are welcome to visit two times per month. If additional food is needed in between, we also have emergency bags. The supershelf program is grounded in the values of good food, respect for all, and evidence-based practices. We began our journey toward supershelf certification last year and are following its six-step methodology based on behavior economic principles. We have reorganized our space and reception area, painted the grocery area in bright and welcoming colors, purchased new freezers, and painted shelving. An attractive fruit and vegetable area is featured. These changes are helping to make us more client-centered while also providing a dignified experience in a grocery-store like environment. Our food rescue program is a climate-friendly option in support of our food services. Volunteers collect food that would otherwise go to waste from local businesses. Although sometimes past its "best by" date, this food still adheres to usda guidelines for food safety. Rescuing and using it not only curbs food insecurity but also reduces the amount of dangerous greenhouse gases created by decaying organic waste in Minnesota's landfills.

In july 2023, we opened an additional food shelf location in cologne, mn. It is open two days a week (3-hour shifts). During the three months in operations, we distributed over 13,000 pounds to 500 individuals. This food shelf is marketed towards individuals and families living in the city of cologne as well as those living in the hancock, benton, san francisco, and dahlgren townships. Neighbors from surrounding communities welcome as well.

Our partnership with mi casa has opened our food shelf for additional hours each week to specifically cater to the latin population. With the support of Bountiful Basket staff, mi c.a.s.a. Staff and volunteers manage the food shelf on certain evenings, including scheduling appointments, greeting families, and assisting them through their shopping experience. Additionally, they help individuals identify other community resources. This program has been serving 30-50 families in a three-hour period, and we are now seeing many more latine individuals coming to our food shelf during normal hours of operation as well.

In partnership with volunteers, southwest transit, Carver County, and new beginnings, food is delivered to individuals who, for various reasons, cannot visit our food shelf. Volunteers bring food to senior residents at two local senior apartment buildings every month. There is a specific program for individuals who are homeless and living in nearby motels. That food is convenient to eat and does not require a full kitchen to prepare. Food is brought to young moms who attend the new beginnings program. This food is for their own consumption and to learn how to cook through class programming.