White Bear Area Food Shelf

Since 1977, the White Bear Area Food Shelf has served as a critical resource for families experiencing Food insecurity in the White Bear Area. We work to eliminate barriers that traditionally limit access to healthy Food for families living on a fixed or low income. The Food and support needs in our community continue to grow exponentially. Due to rising costs of living, the number of people utilizing the White Bear Area Food Shelf has tripled in the last 5 years. Food insecurity rates have reached historic highs across the state of Minnesota. To tackle this challenge, the White Bear Area Food Shelf has been listening to the community and evolving its programs for today and far into the future. In 2023, the White Bear Area Food Shelf secured funding and began plans to open a second location in 2024. This new walk-in, no appointment required grocery market and resource hub will be located in a central and convenient location with ample parking. Food offerings, including fresh produce, frozen meat, bakery and deli favorites will vary daily and be collected from nine local grocery stores. White Bear Area Food Shelf continues to adapt its programming to community needs. "it relieves so much stress in my life. I don't have to choose between bills or Food. It also allows me to make and eat nutritional meals." - White Bear Area Food Shelf clientthe Food Shelf impact over the past 5 yearschart of visits per year2019 14,6782020 22,0092021 26,5982022 33,8572023 43,705individuals served by age- 41% children (0-17)- 47% adults (18-64)- 12% seniors (65+)"my twin daughters just graduated from high school and were accepted to nursing/psychology programs! I attribute their great success to having Food on the table for dinner and nutritious options for veggies and fruits. Thanks to the Food Shelf for helping make this happen for our family." - White Bear Area Food Shelf clientcarewhite Bear Area Food Shelf provides fresh, high-quality, culturally connected Food and innovative programs.the curbside delivery program offers up to 60 choices each day including frozen meats, fresh produce, dairy, deli, bakery, dry goods, and hygiene items. Neighbors select their choices from an order form and wait in the convenience of their cars while volunteers shop, pack, and bring the groceries out to cars. Curbside pickup - 901,376 pounds of groceries distributed. 50% increase over 2022- total visits up 42% to 23,549 - total individuals served up 55% to 91,007 "we are eating in a way we never could without you. We are very grateful. "- White Bear Area Food Shelf clientmobile markets bring fresh groceries directly to communities to meet specific needs, like pop-up grocery markets at century college and senior living apartment buildings for students and seniors on limited income, weekly backpack supplemental Food packs for elementary children, and summer free produce markets at various locations throughout the community. In collaboration with valley outreach and cristian cupboard, the delivery program delivers fresh groceries to individuals transportation challenges.mobile markets- 161,715 pounds of groceries distributed- total visits stayed consistent to last year at 6,408 - total individuals also stayed at 2022 levels 15,689 deliveries- 118,955 pounds of groceries distributed - total visits up 40% to 3,618 - total individuals served up 62% to 16,082 kidpack and school pantries- 38,278 pounds of weekend meals distributed- total kidpacks up 23% to 9,366"during the pandemic this Food Shelf literally helped keep our family ok. Thank you for keeping my family safe and fed." - White Bear Area Food Shelf clientconnectwhite Bear Area Food Shelf brings people together and links people with resources they need beyond Food, like housing and energy assistance. In 2024, the new storefront shopping market and resource hub will have offices for community resource partners to meet with neighbors directly on site to connect them with basic need resources. "thank you for being non-judgmental and always friendly!" - White Bear Area Food Shelf client"how did you get workers who are so welcoming?" - White Bear Area Food Shelf clientcommunitywhite Bear Area Food Shelf strives to support diversity in multiple ways, from the culturally varied Food it provides and to the people who help make the organization a welcome place for all. Everyone is welcome to use the services when they need them, or to contribute in the best way they're able. Each year hundreds of volunteers donate thousands of hours to provide healthy groceries for local families. White Bear Area Food gratefully partners with volunteers, donors and local organizations to create deep connections that make this Food Shelf an integral part of the community. "you make me feel happy coming here." - White Bear Area Food Shelf client"i am glad to see availability of ingredients for ethnic cooking." - White Bear Area Food Shelf clientin 2023, an average of 150 volunteers donated an average of 1,128 hours per month. "the volunteers make you feel that you matter." - White Bear Area Food Shelf client"we see the cost of groceries every week and always wonder how people who struggle financially can afford to put Food on the table. We are very fortunate to have Food security in our household - today - but know that can change when you least expect it. As long as we are physically able, we feel that volunteering at the White Bear Food Shelf is rewarding and something we want to continue." - volunteers mark & nancy m.