Food Pantry
Receive healthy and fresh food at VEAP’s Food Pantry. In 2018, we distributed over 3.6 million pounds of food (half of which was produce!) to over 125,000 people.
VEAP’s Pantry operates under a client-choice model which means you get to select the food you know your family will use. VEAP has a variety of fresh foods, including produce, meats and dairy available in our pantry. We also offer basic food staples, like rice, beans, cereals, and canned products.
Please note that visits to the Food Pantry are scheduled by phone. Call 952.888.9616 x 100 to make an appointment. Most appointments are scheduled within a day of your initial call. New food clients have the opportunity to meet with a licensed social worker.
Transportation Assistance
We know that transportation can be a big barrier. VEAP improves access to food resources for those who may not have a car or cannot easily utilize the bus. Our volunteers can provide rides home directly from the Food Pantry to ensure you make it home safely with all your groceries. Please let our intake staff know that you will need a ride home when you call to make your appointment.
VEAP also partners with senior living facilities for those on fixed incomes in need of healthy food support. We shuttle residents to and from VEAP’s Food Pantry, assuring seniors’ nutritious foods needs are being met.
Make sure to also check out VEAP’s Mobile Food Pantry. With seven regular stops throughout Bloomington, Richfield, Edina, and South Minneapolis, you can easily access your basic food essentials plus fresh veggies, fruit, dairy and deli items. Everyone is welcome.
Healthy Cooking Classes
Not sure how to use up all the produce you get at the Food Pantry? Consider joining one of our healthy cooking classes. When you sign up for a Nutrition Education and Teaching (NEAT) class, you’ll learn how to use a wide variety of nutritious foods. All cooking classes are available to VEAP Food Pantry shoppers. Courses cover topics such as meal planning and shopping on a budget. Participants will get hands on experience in the VEAP teaching kitchen and go home with recipes and groceries. For more detailed information see our NEAT classes page.
Birthday Bags
Is your little one celebrating a birthday? Let our front desk staff know when you check-in for your Food Pantry visit and receive a special birthday bag and a small gift! Birthday Bags are available during the month of your child’s birthday and include party supplies, cake mix, and candles. You’ll also get to select a small gift to bring home.
Weekend Food Pack Program
No child should go hungry during the weekend simply because they’re not in school. Through our Student Hunger Collaborative, VEAP provides food packs on Fridays to students in local area schools that are food-insecure during the weekend. Please check with your child’s school to learn more. For any additional questions, connect with Dave Rannow, VEAP’s Distribution Coordinator at 952.955.8309.
