For many of our neighbors, visiting the food shelf is a vital step toward making ends meet. The cost of healthy food is often weighed against other essentials—housing, utilities, even health care. At the White Bear Area Food Shelf (WBAFS), neighbors can consistently access frozen meat, fresh produce, and pantry staples, and through our community partnerships they can access additional support services, fulfilling our mission: providing food and support to our neighbors in need.
In response to recent national budget cuts and food assistance program changes, WBAFS hosted a White Bear Area Basic Needs Network meeting last month at Community Market. Representatives from Community of Grace, White Bear Lake Area Schools, Salvation Army, Second Harvest Heartland, Today’s Harvest/Open Cupboard, YMCA, Ramsey County Service Centers, and Ramsey County Healthy Living Initiative came together to assess needs and collaborate on solutions. The meeting created space for providers to connect, share resources, and strengthen our collective response to local challenges.
This summer, our Free Produce Markets were another example of community in action. In addition to distributing hundreds of pounds of fresh produce across four locations, we welcomed partners including CLUES (Latino Communities United in Service), Hmong American Partnership (HAP), Northeast Youth and Family Services, The Food Group, Second Harvest Heartland SNAP outreach teams, and Bear Care Clinic. These partners provided vital information about SNAP benefits, mental health services, and legal resources—ensuring our neighbors have access not just to food, but to the broader support they need to thrive.
