At the White Bear Area Food Shelf, addressing hunger is about more than providing groceries—it’s about recognizing the complex challenges neighbors face every day. Food insecurity is rarely experienced as a single concern. It is often tied to housing instability, health concerns, employment changes, and unexpected financial setbacks.
In fact, a recent survey from The Food Group found that 72% of Minnesota food shelf shoppers report having to choose between paying for food or other necessities like housing, healthcare, utilities, or transportation. This reality underscores just how interconnected basic needs can be—and why support must go beyond food alone.
That’s where the Community Resource Coordinator staff role makes a difference. By walking alongside neighbors, listening to their situations, and helping connect them to resources, people can find support beyond food at the food shelf.
Story 1: Finding Support Through Connection
A neighbor reached out for help with rent while recovering from hand surgery. During a visit to the Community Market, she shared her frustration with accessing state assistance and concerns about keeping up with monthly expenses.
Our Community Resource Coordinator connected her with organizations including Solid Ground, Neighborhood House, House Calls, Ramsey County's MN Benefits program, and Keystone to explore available support. A few days later, the neighbor reported that she had begun working with these agencies and her immediate housing concerns had been addressed.
When she returned later that week with questions about home care assistance, the coordinator researched personal care programs and identified clinics and services that could help. By providing information, referrals, and ongoing support, the coordinator helped ensure the neighbor had the resources she needed during her recovery.
Story 2: Navigating an Unexpected Financial Setback
A neighbor met with the Community Resource Coordinator after receiving a letter stating that monthly Social Security benefits would be reduced due to an overpayment related to seasonal employment. The notice was confusing, and the potential impact on housing costs raised concerns.
The coordinator reviewed the paperwork with the neighbor, helped clarify the situation, and discussed options for addressing the issue. To help relieve immediate financial pressure, the coordinator also provided referrals for rental assistance while longer-term solutions were explored.
A few weeks later, the neighbor shared that the situation had stabilized. The experience is a reminder of how much a listening ear, clear information, and practical support can help during uncertain times.
Support Beyond Food
The White Bear Area Food Shelf’s mission, “to provide food and support to our neighbors in need” comes to life in many ways each day. Sometimes support looks like a smile and a warm conversation at Curbside Pick-Up. Sometimes it means sitting down together to make sense of complicated paperwork. Other times, it is helping a family register for a holiday toy giveaway or connecting them to resources they didn’t know existed.
Support goes beyond what can be placed in a grocery bag. It is found in relationships and in the steady presence of staff and volunteers who are willing to walk alongside neighbors as they navigate life’s challenges.
