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.
Learn more about VEAP programs, our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, Board of Directors, staff, and financials. VEAP’s office is co-located with Hennepin County; however, we do not share visitor information with the county nor do we receive information from them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does VEAP stand for?
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.
Who started VEAP?
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.
Who supports VEAP?
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.
Can VEAP buy food cheaper than the general public?
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 three 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.
What’s the difference between VEAP and Second Harvest Heartland?
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.
Are people really going hungry in the suburbs?
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.
I see nice cars in VEAP's parking lot... why?
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.
Who's eligible to receive services?
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.
How often can people access VEAP programs and resources?
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.
What can someone expect when visiting VEAP to access food?
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.
Is everyone welcome at VEAP?
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.
How can I/we help?
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: [email protected]
