Supporting Northeast Minneapolis Through Food Insecurity: Your Community Resources

Written By Sophie Hakala

In Northeast Minneapolis, where community ties are strong, no one should have to face food insecurity alone. Eastside Food Co-op is dedicated to ensuring that all our neighbors have access to healthy, nutritious food during times of need. If you or someone you know is struggling to get enough food, there are resources and support systems available right here in our neighborhood.

Local Resources:

If you or someone you know is experiencing food insecurity, there are several local organizations dedicated to providing free food. Here are some trusted community resources to consider:

Senior Food Shelf

  • Location: 1801 Central Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418

  • Eligibility: Open to all low-income seniors (age 55+) living in Hennepin County.

  • Hours: Monday – Thursday, 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM (Last call at 12:45 PM)

  • Services: Walk-in basis; Delivery service is available for seniors 55 and older living in Minneapolis.

  • Contact: 612-788-9521

SACA Food Shelf

  • Location: 627 38th Ave NE, Columbia Heights, MN 55421

  • Eligibility: Serves residents in Columbia Heights, Hilltop, Fridley, and Spring Lake Park.

  • Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM; Wednesday, 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM

  • Services: In-person client shopping or curbside pickup. A mask is required, and a maximum of 1 person per household is allowed to shop at a time.

  • SACA Delivers: A volunteer-driven program offering delivery to homebound seniors and adults with disabilities.

  • Contact: 763-789-2444 | For delivery inquiries: sacadelivers@sacafoodshelf.org

Little Kitchen Food Shelf

  • Location: 1500 6th St NE, Minneapolis, MN

  • Eligibility: Open to all residents of Northeast Minneapolis and beyond, with no restrictions on zip code or ID requirements.

  • Hours: Tuesdays/Thursdays, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM; Saturdays, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

  • Services: Offers food, including pet food for companion animals.

  • Pre-registration: Required for new clients (Call between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM, Mon-Fri).

  • Contact: 612-788-2444

Food in the 'Hood / Haven Community Pantry

  • Location: 710 West Broadway Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55411

  • Hours: Wednesdays/Thursdays, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

  • Eligibility: No appointment necessary; Open to anyone in need.

  • Contact: Andrea Lee (alee@sanctuarycov.org) or Casey Summers (casey@sanctuarycov.org)

Glendale Food Shelf

  • Location: 92 St. Mary's Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414

  • Hours: Monday/Thursday, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM; Tuesday/Wednesday, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM (Last call is 15 minutes before closing).

  • Services: Available twice a month.

  • Contact: 612-342-1954

Prepared Meal Programs (Free Community Meals)

Food shelves provide groceries, but many people also rely on prepared meals. In Northeast and nearby neighborhoods, there are churches, nonprofits, and community kitchens that offer free hot meals.

  • Grace Lutheran Church hosts FREE Monthly Community Dinners from 5:30 – 6:30 PM on the fourth Saturday of the month

  • Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church, 1509 27th Ave. NE, serves free community meals on the first Saturday of each month. Meals are served in the church basement 5:30-7 pm.

  • Pillsbury United COMMUNITY MEALS @ Brian Coyle Center (Hot Halal Meals), Waite House Community Center, and Oak Park Center.

  • Sisters Camelot Kitchen Bus

  • Loaves & fishes provide free takeaway meals and in-person dining at over 35 locations.

Mobile Food Distributions

  • Eastside Meals on Wheels serves nutritious meals to seniors 60 years of age or older who cannot prepare their own adequate meals. They provide up to five meals a week to qualifying older adults and individuals with disabilities.

  • VEAP Mobile Food Pantry brings fresh produce and other healthy foods directly to people in their service area.

For Families with School-Aged Children:

  • SUN Bucks (Summer EBT)

    Sun Bucks is an income-based food support program that provides families with $120 per eligible school-aged child to buy groceries when school is out for the summer.

    For more information and eligibility requirements, go to the MN Department of Children, Youth, and Families page, or call our Care Center at 866-844-3663.. 

Additional Ways to Get Assistance

If you’re in need of more resources or information about accessing food, don’t hesitate to reach out to the following:

How You Can Get Involved: Supporting Your Neighbors

Food insecurity is not just something we talk about; it’s something we act on. Eastside Food Co-op is proud to be a part of a community that lifts each other up. Here are a few ways you can make a difference:

  • Donate to Local Food Shelves: You can make a direct impact by donating non-perishable food items, fresh produce, or funds to our local food shelves and organizations. Every little bit helps, and even a small donation can go a long way in supporting those who are struggling.

  • Volunteer Your Time: If you’re able to, consider volunteering at one of the many food programs in the area. Whether it’s packing food boxes or helping distribute meals, your time can make a big difference in helping to feed our community.

At Eastside Food Co-op, we believe that access to good food is a fundamental right. We are committed to supporting our community, and we will continue to work alongside other local organizations to ensure that no one in Northeast Minneapolis has to go hungry. We encourage you to get involved, whether that’s by utilizing the resources available or helping us give back to our community.

Thank you for being part of our cooperative—and for helping us build a stronger, more equitable Northeast Minneapolis.

Sophie Hakala
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