The White Bear Area Emergency Food Shelf has served as a critical resource for families experiencing food insecurity since 1977.  Providing food and support to over 1,000 families each month, we work toward eliminating barriers that have traditionally limited access to healthy food for families living on a low or fixed income.  Our vision is to end food insecurity in the White Bear Area.

Who We Serve

We provide food and support to neighbors who live within or attend the White Bear Area School District and self-identify a need for food.  Our Bonus Saturday program is open to anyone in need of food regardless of geographic boundaries.

What We Do

Neighbors  meet initially with a community resource volunteer who conducts a brief assessment, provides referral connections to other community resources, and assists with additional support as needed.  During a monthly shopping visit neighbors have access to their choice of milk, eggs, meat, pasta, rice, fresh and frozen produce and a variety of other dry goods.  In addition to monthly shopping, neighbors may participate in Bonus Saturday, a weekly produce pick-up program.  Other programs include weekend KID Packs, Mobile Markets, Free Farmer’s Markets (seasonal), School Food Pantries, Community Resource Program, and a Family Stability Emergency Fund.

In recent years, the White Bear Area Emergency Food Shelf has expanded our services and strengthened our strategies to meet the changing needs of our community. We currently have a staff of 5.5 FTE and over 300 active volunteers.

How you can help

We rely on generous donors like you to advance our mission of providing food and support to our neighbors in need. $1 donated will purchase $8 in healthy groceries for families struggling to make ends meet. You can support your local food shelf through volunteer opportunities, sponsoring a food drive, and/or making an online donation today!