Sisters Camelot
Sisters' Camelot, a nonprofit established in 1997, plays a vital role in the Twin Cities community by addressing food justice, sustainability, and community building through innovative programs. At its core, Sisters' Camelot focuses on rescuing surplus organic food to prevent waste and redistributing it for free, nourishing those in need while promoting environmental stewardship.
Through their extensive efforts, Sisters' Camelot distributes between 6,000-8,000 pounds of organic groceries weekly across various locations, particularly in underserved areas with limited access to fresh food. They collaborate with community organizations to host distributions, ensuring they reach diverse populations including the homebound, whom volunteers deliver food to by bike.
Their second major initiative involves preparing and serving free healthy meals from a converted vintage bus equipped as a licensed kitchen. This initiative provides nutritious meals and fosters community bonds through shared cooking and dining experiences. All food prepared and distributed is rescued from the waste stream, with unusable produce composted locally and packaging materials recycled.
The impact of Sisters' Camelot extends beyond immediate food provision. They conduct over 100 grocery distributions annually, serving around 800 individuals weekly, alongside supplying bulk food to kitchens and food banks. Additionally, they serve thousands of free meals each year, addressing food insecurity while promoting physical and mental well-being within the community.
Operated entirely by volunteers, Sisters' Camelot maximizes efficiency and directs funding towards essential expenses like transportation, maintenance, insurance, and supplies necessary for their distributions and meal services. Their commitment to inclusivity is evident in efforts to provide information in English and Spanish and welcome all individuals regardless of legal status.
In seeking support, Sisters' Camelot emphasizes their programs' critical role in reducing food waste and supporting community health amidst rising food insecurity. Their approach feeds the hungry, educates, and empowers, laying the foundations for sustainable living and equitable access to nutritious food.