VEAP stands for Volunteers Enlisted to Assist People. Since 1973, VEAP has provided a range of programs to help low-income individuals and families meet their immediate needs and move toward stability. Today VEAP operates one of the largest food pantries in the state of Minnesota. We provide access to programs for over 10,000 individuals each month through our Food & Basic Needs and Social Services programs.

In the early 1970s, a small group of churches in Richfield and South Minneapolis that delivered Meals on Wheels became increasingly concerned about the poor and deteriorating living conditions of seniors in their community. This along with other societal issues mobilized a group of 13 Bloomington and Richfield churches to band together and in 1973, VEAP was formed. Over its first years, VEAP provided a variety of programs with many of them focused on meeting the needs of the elderly including food deliveries, snow shoveling and basic handyman services. These programs evolved to focus on Food & Basic Needs and Social Services programs active today.

VEAP receives support from a diversified base of congregations, businesses, foundations, schools, civic/fraternal organizations and individuals in the communities of Bloomington, Richfield, Edina and South Minneapolis. Additionally, much of the non-perishable food found in VEAP’s food pantry is donated from food drives organized by area businesses, congregations, schools and other groups.

VEAP is able to purchase food at a deep discount from food banks such as Second Harvest Heartland. We’re then able to leverage donated dollars and purchase approximately six meals worth of food for every $1 donated. That said, VEAP benefits greatly from the variety of food items that community food drives donate. With the combination of donated food and dollars, VEAP can offer a nutritionally-balanced selection of food for our neighbors in need.

VEAP is a direct service agency that operates a food pantry (food shelf) available to local individuals and families in need of food support. Second Harvest is a food bank and receives donations from major corporations and food companies. Food pantries such as VEAP are able to purchase food at a deeply discounted rate from Second Harvest which is then delivered to VEAP. VEAP serves people and Second Harvest serves food shelves.

Yes. Over the past decade, suburban communities have seen a dramatic increase the number of working individuals and families living in poverty. In fact, the growth in the number of low-income families living in suburban communities has outpaced that of the urban cores of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Service industry jobs are abundant in Bloomington, Richfield and Edina; however, the retail, restaurant and hotel jobs are often low-paying and without benefits contributing to the number of working poor in our community. The majority of people who utilize VEAP’s Food Pantry are working multiple jobs but struggling to make ends meet.

The majority of the people utilizing VEAP’s services tend to earn low-incomes. However, assumptions based on appearance and material possessions may suggest differently. We encourage visitors, volunteers and partners alike to remember that appearance is not a reflection of need. Here are some reasons why:

• • In some cases, neighbors borrow vehicles to get to VEAP. Some may be locked into car payments they were able to afford while employed but now struggle to meet.

• • Smart phones are often less expensive than a standard landline.

• • A visitor’s unique needs may have resulted from health problems, differing ability, age or another factor not necessarily visible to others.

• • For many apparently financially-stable individuals, a catastrophic life event or job loss can move them from middle class to teetering on the brink of financial instability in a relatively short time.

• • “Nice” cars in our lot could belong to a volunteer or a donor, or a visitor may be getting a ride from a friend.

VEAP is here to help others during their time of need, not to question or pass judgment. We ask everyone else who visits our organization to extend the same compassion.

VEAP asks for proof of residency when visiting our Food Pantry (valid ID and/or official mail with address) and visitors must reside in our service area (Bloomington, Richfield, Edina and a small portion of South Minneapolis, south of 50th Street and west of Cedar Avenue). Although the majority of visitors usually have incomes falling below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines, it is not a requirement to receive services. People coming to VEAP for help most often are experiencing a financial crisis due to job loss or underemployment, change in family status (death of a spouse or divorce) or unexpected medical expense or illness. Whatever the reason for your visit, you are welcome here.

For our On-site Food Pantry, visitors are welcome on a monthly basis for full access including shelf-stable foods, meats, dairy, and fresh produce. Additionally, we offer visitors extra produce visits up to 6 times per year that also include 10 shelf-stable products. Rides homes from the Pantry are also available but must be pre-scheduled when calling to make an appointment.

VEAP’s Mobile Food Pantry is open to everyone! With several convenient sites throughout the Twin Cities, we encourage individuals and families to visit as often as needed. Check our event calendar for current distribution sites and times.

Many of the financial assistance programs through our Social Services Programs are based on assessments conducted by our team and are meant to provide short-term financial assistance to help families stay in their homes, get current on utility bills, or meet an immediate financial need that will lead to longer-term financial stability.

Yes! We welcome everyone from our community who needs access to use our services. Many of the visitors who use our Food Pantry and Social Services programming are from many different ethnic, racial and linguistic backgrounds. We make every effort to meet the language needs of our visitors and have staff and volunteers fluent in Spanish, Somali, Russian, Mandarin and other languages. Wherever you are from, you are welcome and belong at VEAP.

There are many ways to help! VEAP relies on the community to provide dollars, goods and volunteer time to support our programs. People like you can support VEAP with a gift for use today or tomorrow such as cash, stocks, bonds, life insurance, and/or matching gift with employer. Many supporters hold a Food & Fund Drive for VEAP at work or in the neighborhood. Others choose to donate gift cards, school supplies, event supplies, advertising or goods and services from their company. And perhaps best of all, many share the good news about VEAP with their neighbors, friends, family and co-workers. Please email us to discuss and explore opportunities: info@veap.org