Resources & Outreach
We have compiled a list of resources and outreach programs available to help families in Central Minnesota.
Helping Hands 365 is not associated with, nor affiliated with, any of the resources, programs, or organizations listed and are being provided solely for informational purposes to the public so individuals may pursue any assistance that they require.
Central Minnesota
& Multi-County Resources
Ruby's Pantry
Discount food distribution program - $22 per bundle (you can get as many bundles as you would like) you get a variety of various fresh, frozen, and non-perishable grocery items - no residency or income requirements - almost 100 convenient locations throughout Central/Northern Minnesota & Wisconsin
Matthew 25 Food Distribution
Free food distribution program taking place on the second Sunday of each month at the Coon Rapids United Method Church - distribution begins at noon.
Community Basics - Hope for Our City Food Distribution
Food distribution program taking place each Wednesday from 5:30-6:30 PM. Location: 1020 Hwy 71 NE, Willmar MN 56201
No qualification requirements, all are welcome, $1 donation is suggested, but not required.
FreeFood.org
This website provides information on nearby food banks, food pantries, soup kitchens, and free meal sites.
Tri-County Action Program (Tri-Cap)
Provides resources and assistance programs for basic needs including energy, food, housing, transportation, taxes and personal/career development to residents within Benton, Stearns, Morrison, Sherburne, and Wright Counties. You can also find links to numerous community resources such as County Websites, Shelters/Homeless, Transportation, Legal Services, Food, Agency Resources, Crisis/Abuse, Mental Health/Addiction, Veterans, Disability Resources, Housing, Employment Resources, Employment Staffing Agencies, Parenting Resources, Senior Resources, and Voting and More!
Hands of Hope - Resource Center
Povides free and confidential services to victims affected by crime and abuse for Todd and Morrison County residents. They offer an abundance of assistance/resources and can be reached 24 hours a day.
1-888-454-4878 (Morrison County) | 1-800-682-4547 (Todd County)
AffordableHousing.com
This website provides a lists of low-income, Section 8, public housing, and more.
Fare For All
A traveling grocery store that stops at almost 40 monthly distribution sites across Greater Minnesota. Families can buy quality produce and meats up to 40% off retail price. Produce and meat packages range from $10-$30. Cash, credit, debit, and EBT (SNAP) are accepted. Everyone and anyone is welcome to shop, no qualifications to participate, and no pre-registration is required.
Catholic Charities - Central MN
Catholic Charities offers support services to anyone in need across 16 counties in central Minnesota. Services include assistance with food, housing, basic needs, financial assistance, behavioral & mental health, foster and homeless services, in-home services for disabled individuals, and much more.
Meals on Wheels
average adult age served is 60 and over; however, age requirement can vary by program and areas served - depending on individual circumstances, meals may be provided along a sliding fee scale from no cost to full price (approximately $9 per meal) - enter your zip code and choose an organization near you to get enrolled.
Lutheran Social Services
Lutheran Social Service connects Minnesotans with services to help meet a wide range of physical needs, health, and well-being. Services are available for every phase of life - for children, families, adults, elderly and vulnerable adults, disabled individuals, and veterans.
Living Waters Lutheran Church - Sauk Rapids
Offers a free food shelf every Tuesday & Friday 11AM-Noon.
1911 4th Ave N, Sauk Rapids MN
(320) 255-1135
**Many churches offer some type of food and/or financial assistance to those in need within the community. You would simply need to look up the church that you are comfortable with in asking for they assistance and contact them to see what they offer.**
Additional websites that offer food or monetary assistance:
foodpantries.org
needhelppayingbills.com
homelessshelterdirectory.org
sctcc.edu (pdf of St. Cloud area food resources)
food-banks.org
helppayingthebills.com
Morrison County
Morrison County Health & Human Services
co.morrison.mn.us (320) 632-2951 Monday - Friday 8:00AM-4:30PM
foodpantries.org/co/mn-morrison - Provides a full and current list for your county
Motley Area Food Shelf, Contact them directly at 218-352-6344 Located at: 697 3rd Ave South, Motley MN 56466 Open Thursdays 9AM-Noon - FOOD ONLY - MORRISON COUNTY RESIDENTS ONLY
Morrison County Food Shelf, Contact them directly at 320-632-8304 Located at: 972 1st Avenue SW, Little Falls MN 56345 Open Tuesdays & Wednesday 10AM-Noon and Thursdays 6-8PM- FOOD ONLY
Pierz Area Food Shelf, Contact them directly at 320-632-8304 Located at: 224 Main Street South, Pierz MN 56364 Open Monday 9-11AM and 5-7PM - FOOD ONLY Serving the residents of the Pierz area, and eastern Morrison County
Ruby's Pantry rubyspantry.org - 4th Monday of the month at Little Falls Alliance Church Warehouse, 609 13th Avenue NE, Little Falls MN 56345 - Registration starts at 4:30PM with Food Bundles available for pick-up 4:30-6PM - For $22 you receive a bundle of abundant groceries with no residency or income requirements and no limit to the amount of bundles you can purchas
Todd County
Todd County Health & Human Services
co.todd.mn.us Monday-Friday 8:00AM - 4:30PM
Long Prairie: (320) 732-6447 Staples: (218) 894-6300
foodpantries.org/co/mn-todd - Provides a full and current list for your county
Staples Area Food Shelf, Contact them directly at 218-894-2427 Located at: 402 Wisconsin Ave SE, Staples MN 56479 Open Monday & Tuesday 1-3PM and the last Thursday of the month from 6-8PM - FOOD ONLY
Long Prairie Emergency Food Pantry, Contact them directly at 320-732-0979 Located at: 127 Central Avenue, Long Prairie MN 56347 Open Wednesday & Friday 9-11:30AM - FOOD ONLY
Browerville Area Food Shelf, Contact them directly at: 320-594-2201 Located at: 7th and Main Street, Browerville MN 56438 Open Wednesday 10AM-Noon and 1-3PM - Open to residents of Browerville, Clarissa, and Eagle Bend ONLY
Ruby's Pantry rubyspantry.org - 1st Tuesday of the month at Staples United Methodist Church, 1830 Airport Road, Staples MN 56479 - Registration starts at 4:30PM with Food Bundles available for pick-up 4:30-6PM - For $22 you receive a bundle of abundant groceries with no residency or income requirements and no limit to the amount of bundles you can purchase
Meals on Wheels - for adults aged 60+ for a suggested donation of up to $9 per meal - available to residents of Long Prairie, Bertha, Browerville, Clarissa, Eagle Bend, Hewitt, Wadena,Verndale, and Staples - reduced rates available - mailed meal plans are now also available - meals delivered daily Monday through Friday - delivery, pick up, and frozen meals also available - contact 800-488-4146 Monday through Friday 8AM-4:30PM to sign up and determine eligibility for discounts - provided through Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota - you may also visit their website at lssmn.org/services/older-adults/nutrition-and-health/home-delivered-meals/signup
Cass County
Cass County Health & Human Services
co.cass.mn.us Monday-Friday 8:00AM - 4:30PM
Walker: (218) 547-1340 Backus: (218) 947-7530
foodpantries.org/co/mn-cass - Provides a full and current list for your county
Cass Lake Area Food Shelf-Food Distribution Center, Contact them directly at 218-335-2676 Located at: 16051 65th Ave NW, Cass Lake MN 56633 Open Wednesday 10AM-2:45PM
Longville Area Food Shelf, Contact them directly at 218-363-3348 Located at: 5070 MN-84, Longville MN 56655 Open Wednesday 11AM-2:30PM & 2nd Thursday of every month 11AM-2:30PM
Pillager Family Center, Contact them directly at 218-746-4009 Located at: 305 Fir Avenue, Pillager MN 56473 Open Thursdays Noon-5PM
Pine River-Backus Family Center, Contact them directly at 218-587-4292 Located at: 245 Barclay Ave, Pine River MN 56474 Open 2nd Tuesday 3:30-6PM Tuesday & Thursday 10AM-1PM
Fathers Heart & Hands, Contact them directly at 218-566-3663 Located at: 7123 MN-6, Remer MN 56672 Open Thursday 1-3PM
Walker Food Shelves, Contact them directly at 218-547-1713 Located at: 8243 Industrial Park Rd NW, Walker MN 56484 Open 1st-3rd Tuesday Noon-3PM 4th Tuesday 4-7PM 5th Tuesday Closed - Bring Proof of Physical Address (ID or Utility Bill)
Ruby's Pantry rubyspantry.org - 4th Tuesday of the month at New Life Community Church, 510 First Street North, Pine River MN- Registration starts at 3:00PM with Food Bundles available for pick-up 3:00-6PM - For $22 you receive a bundle of abundant groceries with no residency or income requirements and no limit to the amount of bundles you can purchase
Cass County Resource Guide - http://www.co.cass.mn.us/Resource%20Directory2%2008%2012%2021.pdf - is a database of public, non-profit, and some private for profit human services available in Cass County and surrounding areas
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