Free Produce Markets

Thursdays 10:00-12:00 Mid June–September Everyone is Wecome Our Free Produce Markets offer a welcoming, outdoor shopping experience where neighbors can take home fresh fruits and vegetables at no cost. These seasonal markets are open to all and are designed to make accessing healthy food easy and comfortable. Throughout the summer,…

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Volunteer Appreciation

April is Volunteer Appreciation Month, a time to celebrate the neighbors who make the food shelf possible each and every day. In 2025, 688 volunteers shared their time, energy, and care in support of the community. From the first greeting to the final task of the day, volunteers are part…

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Remembering Joan Burth

Photo Published in White Bear Press, 2011 The White Bear Area Food Shelf would not be what it is today without Joan Burth. In a 2011 White Bear Press article, Vice Chairman Kevin Donovan captured her influence perfectly: “When people think of the White Bear Food Shelf, they think of Joan Burth. She…

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Learning About MN Food Insecurity

Minnesota is home to two primary food banks — Second Harvest Heartland and The Food Group — and the White Bear Area Food Shelf partners with both. Recently, each organization completed statewide surveys to better understand the experiences of Minnesotans facing food insecurity. Here’s what they learned. Second Harvest Heartland:…

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Phyllis’ Pistachio Bread

A St. Patrick’s Day Treat Worth Celebrating   If you’ve spent any time around the Mobile Market, you may have seen Phyllis, one of our most dedicated and joyful shoppers. At 97 years old, she has been visiting the market for five years, always arriving with a bright smile. When we…

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We’re Hiring a Development Specialist- Filled

Help Turn Data, Stories, and Generosity into Groceries for Our Neighbors Are you a detail-driven communicator who loves turning information into impact? Do you thrive at the intersection of storytelling, data, and relationship-building? Join the team at the White Bear Area Food Shelf as Development Specialist and play a key…

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Biggest BEAR’ly Open

For the 19th straight year, the White Bear Lake community bundled up, came together, and turned winter fun into meaningful impact at the 2026 BEAR’ly Open. What began as a quirky winter golf event has grown into a beloved three-part tradition. Together, participants, volunteers, and generous supporters raised nearly $60,000.

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Fill with Love!

This Valentine’s Day, you can make sure local children have full tummies all weekend long. Our KidPack program provides weekend meals for kids who might otherwise go without — and every item donated makes a difference. The KidPack Program currently serves 314 students in White Bear Area Schools! KidPack is…

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Caring for Our Community

The White Bear Food Shelf is as committed as ever to ensuring everyone has access to fresh and healthy food. Our markets are open to all, as often as needed, and community members are welcome to pick up food for their neighbors. We recognize that many in our community cannot…

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BEAR’ly Open XIX

The BEAR’ly Open has been an annual event in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, since 2008. Led by community volunteer Ken Galloway, the event was established and hosted by White Bear Events and the White Bear Lake Rotary with the goal of bringing the community together for a day of winter…

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