Government shutdown:
how you can help

While the government shutdown has ended, families continue to turn to VEAP for help — including people who have never needed a food pantry before. The need is growing every day.

You can make an immediate difference. Here are three ways to help:

Fund Express Packs, $10 = 1 Pack for a Family
Express Packs contain 7-10 essential, shelf-stable items that ensure families have something to eat right away. VEAP distributes dozens of express packs at our pantry every day, and we are mobilizing our distribution efforts to get more packs into the hands of families in need.

Make a gift of express packs here.

Is your group or business looking to purchase and assemble express packs for VEAP? Learn more here. Email Karen Hancock, Volunteer Manager, at karenh@veap.org to get started.

Host a Food Drive
Food drives bring variety to our pantry shelves: something our neighbors deeply appreciate.
Most-needed items right now include:

  • Beans and lentils
  • Brown rice and pasta
  • Canned fruit and vegetables
  • Canned chicken/tuna


Get started with holding your own drive

Spread the Word

General awareness is powerful. Share VEAP’s posts. Tell a friend. Pass along the media links shared below to your network.

Let your community know that neighbors are stepping up to support one another, and we are not powerless during these difficult times.

Looking for more ways to support us?

Please email Caley Long, Marketing and Communications Director, caleyl@veap.org We’d be happy to work individually with you or your team.

Media round-up links

KARE11: More federal employees seek food assistance as they miss first full paycheck

WCCO Drivetime with DeRusha: 10-minute interview with VEAP CEO, Kari Thompson

MINNPOST:  As federal food, heating help runs out, Minnesota lawmakers seek answers

MSN News:  Minnesotans beginning to feel impacts as federal government remains shutdown

KTTC:  Minnesotans beginning to feel impacts as federal government remains shutdown

City of Bloomington: City of Bloomington responds to food access emergency to support almost 8,000 residents who rely on critical food assistance

KARE11: What to know about using or donating to food shelves in Minnesota

KARE11: Local food shelves overwhelmed ‘in a good way’ following shutdown response