About
VEAP is the Twin Cities’ largest food pantry, providing access to healthy foods, social services, and financial assistance.
VEAP takes a holistic approach to program delivery together with its strategic partners to build a stronger community.
Our values: Compassion, Collaboration, Inclusion, Innovation, Responsiveness, Integrity.
Learn more about VEAP programs, our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, Board of Directors, staff, and financials.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
For our On-site Food Pantry, visitors are welcome to visit twice a month and will receive a whole grocery cart size of food with shelf-stable products, meats, dairy, and fresh produce.
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.
VEAP does require that all visitors to the On-site Food Pantry call us to first make an appointment. However, if there is an emergency, we can provide a pre-packaged bag of food. When a visitor arrives for their appointment during in-pantry shopping days, they’ll check in at Door 1. They are then welcomed into the Food Pantry where they can proceed to shop. During drive-through days, simply pull around to the back of the building and a volunteer will take your order, and then pack items into your car.
VEAP utilizes a “visitor choice” model which means our visitors get to select the items they know how to prepare and know their family will be able to use.
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