The White Bear Area Food Shelf has served as a critical resource for families experiencing food insecurity since 1977. Providing food and support to over 1,200 families each month, we work toward eliminating barriers that have traditionally limited access to healthy food for families living on a low or fixed income. Our vision is to end food insecurity in the White Bear Area.

We provide food and support to neighbors who self-identify a need for food. Our programs are open to anyone in need of food regardless of geographic boundaries. 

Neighbors meet initially with a community resource volunteer who conducts a brief assessment, provides referral connections to other community resources, and assists with additional support as needed. During a monthly shopping visit, neighbors have access to their choice of milk, eggs, meat, pasta, rice, fresh and frozen produce, and a variety of other dry goods. Other programs include weekend KID Packs, Mobile Markets, Free Farmers Markets (seasonal), School Food Pantries, Community Resource Program, and a Family Stability Emergency Fund. 

In recent years, the White Bear Area Food Shelf has expanded our services and strengthened our strategies to meet the changing needs of our community.  

We rely on generous donors like you to advance our mission of providing food and support to our neighbors in need. $1 donated will purchase $8 in healthy groceries for families struggling to make ends meet. You can support your local food shelf through volunteer opportunities, sponsoring a food drive, and/or making an online donation today!