Food Shelves and Free Meals in Hennepin County, MN
Hennepin County — home to Minneapolis and more than 40 surrounding cities — has one of the largest and most active networks of food shelves (the Minnesota term for food pantries) and free meal programs in the Midwest. Every program listed here is free - this page will help you find a place for free food or a meal.
Second Harvest Heartland, the Feeding America food bank for the Twin Cities region, supplies food to nearly 400 partner agencies and mobile distribution sites across Hennepin County and beyond. Within Minneapolis, Sharing and Caring Hands serves hot meals and food bags to anyone who walks in, several days a week, no questions asked. VEAP in Bloomington operates one of the largest food pantries in Minnesota, serving Bloomington, Edina, Richfield, and parts of south Minneapolis. PRISM in Golden Valley runs a grocery-style marketplace food shelf for the northwest suburbs.
In the north suburbs, CEAP covers Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, and Champlin. Helping Hands Ministry of Belton is separate — the local counterpart here for Hennepin families is NorthPoint Health in North Minneapolis, which runs a client-choice food shelf with culturally specific items for the surrounding community.
Most food shelves in Minnesota ask visitors to self-declare that their household income is at or below 300% of the federal poverty guidelines — no extensive documentation is usually required for a first visit. PRO TIP: Requirements vary by location, so call ahead if you are unsure what to bring. Minnesota food shelves set their own service areas — a shelf near you may not serve your zip code. Call first to confirm you are within their coverage area before making the trip.
County-Wide and Regional Resources
These programs serve Hennepin County broadly or coordinate distribution across the region.
Second Harvest Heartland
Address: 7101 Winnetka Ave N, Brooklyn Park, MN 55428. Phone: (763) 450-3860. Website: 2harvest.org
The Feeding America food bank for Minnesota and western Wisconsin — one of the largest in the nation. Second Harvest Heartland supplies food to nearly 400 partner food shelves and hunger-relief programs across the Twin Cities metro area, providing the majority of food distributed at most local shelves. Also operates a Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) with monthly food boxes for income-eligible seniors age 60 and older, and a mobile food pantry that travels to neighborhoods with limited access. Use the Find a Food Shelf tool at https://www.2harvest.org/find-food to locate the nearest partner agency.
Minnesota SNAP Food Stamps and Benefits
Phone: 651-431-2000. Website: mn.gov/dhs | Apply online: https://mnbenefits.mn.gov/
Minnesota's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program provides monthly grocery benefits on an EBT card accepted at most grocery stores and farmers markets. Eligibility is based on household size and income. Applications can be completed online at mnbenefits.mn.gov or in person at any Hennepin County Human Services office. Pregnant women and children under 5 may also qualify for WIC nutrition benefits — call 612-543-5449 for the nearest WIC clinic in Minneapolis, or check with your county health department.
County Services
To find a food shelf or meal program near a specific address within Hennepin County, the county operates an interactive food resource map at https://www.hennepincounty.gov/health-promotion/featured-projects/free-food-map or call the county resource helpline at 612-348-3000 on weekdays. For SNAP food stamps, visit mn.gov/dhs or call 651-431-2000.
Minneapolis — North and Central
North Minneapolis and the central city have the highest concentration of food programs in the county.
Sharing and Caring Hands
Address: 525 N 7th St, Minneapolis, MN 55405. Phone: (612) 338-4640. Website: https://sharingandcaringhands.org/
One of the most recognized and high-volume hunger-relief organizations in the Twin Cities, serving more than 150,000 meals each year. Founded in 1985 by Mary Jo Copeland, the organization provides free hot meals in its cafeteria generally on weekday mornings and again at midday, plus weekend mornings. Food bags with boxed and canned pantry items are also distributed on weekday mornings. Open to anyone regardless of income, residency, or documentation — no registration required. Also operates Mary's Place transitional shelter for homeless families.
NorthPoint Community Food Shelf
Address: 2220 Plymouth Ave N (enter from 14th Ave N), Minneapolis, MN 55411. Phone: (612) 767-9500. Website: https://www.northpointhealth.org/
A community food shelf operated by NorthPoint Health & Wellness Center in North Minneapolis, offering a grocery-store-style shopping experience with culturally specific foods important to the surrounding African American, Hmong, and Latino communities. Generally open Monday through Thursday; clients can use the shelf once per month. Also provides SNAP enrollment assistance and MNsure health coverage registration. Note: the food shelf moved to its current Plymouth Ave N address — the old address on Penn Ave N is no longer in use.
Good in the Hood — Beacon of Hope Church
Address: 2827 Newton Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55411. Phone: (612) 440-7463. Website: goodinthehood.org
A faith-based food and community outreach program based in North Minneapolis. Operates a free food pantry generally open on a weekly or twice-monthly basis. Open to Hennepin County residents with no geographic restrictions. Call or visit the website to confirm current distribution schedule.
Community Emergency Service (CES)
Address: 1900 11th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404. Phone: (612) 870-1125. Website: cesmn.org
A neighborhood food pantry serving the Twin Cities metro area with a focus on south Minneapolis. Operates a grocery-style "food market" and accepts walk-in visits several days per week. Appointments can also be made online or by phone. No geographic restrictions; open to anyone. Also provides resource referrals for housing, utilities, and other services.
Community Bridge Food Shelf
Address: 2400 Park Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55404. Phone: (612) 321-1967. Website: communitybridgempls.org
Offers free groceries and a community meal at the Park Ave location in south-central Minneapolis. Generally open several days per week. Serves the broader Minneapolis community. Call or visit the website to confirm current hours and any intake requirements.
East Side Neighborhood Services (ESNS) — Multiple Programs
Glendale Food Shelf: 92 St. Mary's Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414. Phone: (612) 342-1954. Website: esns.org
ESNS operates several distinct food programs for Hennepin County residents. The Glendale Food Shelf serves families in Glendale public housing and is open multiple days per week; visits are limited to twice per month. The Senior Food Shelf provides a client-choice shopping experience for older adults on weekday mornings. The High-Rise Mobile Food Shelf delivers directly to the community rooms of 52 Minneapolis Public Housing high-rise buildings — no transportation needed for residents. Call (612) 791-4492 for the mobile program schedule.
Salvation Army — Minneapolis Locations
Center City: 53 Glenwood Ave (Hope Harbor), Minneapolis, MN 55403. Phone: (612) 659-0705. Website: https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/twin-cities/
The Salvation Army operates multiple food shelf and meal programs throughout Minneapolis. The Center City/Hope Harbor location serves downtown and surrounding neighborhoods. The Lyndale location at 2024 Lyndale Ave N (phone 612-522-6581) includes Hmong and Laotian food items alongside standard pantry items. The South Minneapolis location at 1604 E Lake St (phone 612-767-2705) serves the Lake Street corridor. All locations offer food boxes, seasonal holiday meal programs, and referrals to other services. Call the specific location before visiting for current hours.
Pillsbury United Communities — Food Shelves
Waite House: 2323 11th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404. Phone: (612) 721-1681. Brian Coyle Center: 420 15th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55454. Phone: (612) 338-5282. Website: https://pillsburyunited.org/
Operates food shelves at two Minneapolis neighborhood centers. The Waite House shelf serves the Phillips neighborhood — one of the most diverse zip codes in the state — with free groceries and weekly produce giveaways. The Brian Coyle Center shelf serves the Cedar-Riverside corridor, with a focus on Somali, East African, and immigrant households. Both shelves are generally open multiple days per week. First-time visitors should bring ID.
St. Olaf Samaritan Ministry — Food Shelf
Address: 215 S 8th St, Minneapolis, MN 55402. Phone: (612) 332-7471. Website: saintolaf.org
A food shelf and community ministry operated by St. Olaf Lutheran Church in downtown Minneapolis. Generally open to walk-in visitors on weekday mornings. No geographic restrictions — open to anyone in need.
Joyce Uptown Food Shelf
Address: 3041 Fremont Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55408. Phone: (612) 825-4431
A neighborhood food shelf serving the Uptown and surrounding south Minneapolis area. Offers free food boxes and generally operates Monday through Saturday. Call to confirm current hours and service area before visiting.
Loaves & Fishes — Multiple Twin Cities Sites
Website: loavesandfishesmn.org | Phone: (612) 377-9810
A network of partner churches that offers free hot meals at no cost to anyone who comes. Loaves & Fishes operates multiple meal sites throughout Minneapolis, including Peace House Community (1816 Portland Ave), Living Hope (721 Kasota Ave SE), and several church partners in Plymouth and Hopkins. Meals are served sit-down style and no ID is required. Visit the website for current site locations and schedules, as meal days vary by site.
Isuroon
Address: 1600 E Lake St, Suite 1, Minneapolis, MN 55407. Phone: (612) 886-2731
Provides culturally specific food, resources, and advocacy services primarily for East African and Somali women and families in the Lake Street corridor of south Minneapolis. Offers food assistance along with health, wellness, and community programming.
Catholic Charities — Emergency Services
Address: 1000 Currie Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403. Phone: (612) 204-8562. Website: https://cctwincities.org/
Offers emergency food assistance, SNAP enrollment outreach, and a range of social services for low-income and homeless individuals in Hennepin County. The Dorothy Day Food Shelf and other programs at the Currie Ave location serve the greater Minneapolis community. Also operates programs specifically for immigrants and refugees.
Northern Suburbs — Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Crystal, New Hope, Robbinsdale
Community Emergency Assistance Program (CEAP)
Address: 7051 Brooklyn Blvd, Brooklyn Center, MN 55429. Phone: (763) 566-9600. Website: https://www.ceap.org/
The primary food shelf and social services organization for the northwest suburbs, serving residents of Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, and Champlin east of Highway 169. Provides food shelf services by appointment, generally Monday through Friday, with some evening availability. The food shelf offers a large selection of shelf-stable items, fresh produce, dairy, and meat. Also provides Meals on Wheels coordination, financial assistance referrals, and other community services.
CAPI USA
Address: 7715 Bass Lake Rd, Brooklyn Center, MN 55428. Phone: (612) 721-0122. Website: https://www.capiusa.org/
Originally founded in 1982 as a food shelf for Southeast Asian refugees, CAPI now serves 12,000+ people annually — immigrants, refugees, and low-income residents of all backgrounds. Operates a food shelf at its Brooklyn Center headquarters and a satellite Asian food shelf at Sabathani Community Center in south Minneapolis. Also provides SNAP enrollment assistance and benefits navigation in multiple languages.
NEAR Food Shelf
Address: 5209 W Broadway, Crystal, MN 55429. Phone: (763) 533-2836. Website: https://www.nearfoodshelf.org/
Serves residents of Crystal, New Hope, and Robbinsdale. Food pick-up is generally available Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons, with Thursday evening hours as well. Appointments can be scheduled by phone Monday through Friday during office hours. Offers a broad selection of shelf-stable and perishable items. Holiday food baskets are distributed seasonally.
Western Suburbs — Plymouth, Golden Valley, Minnetonka, Mound Area
PRISM — Marketplace Food Shelf
Address: 730 Florida Ave S, Golden Valley, MN 55426. Phone: (763) 529-1350. Website: https://prismmpls.org/
A grocery-style, client-choice food shelf where visitors select a 5–7 day supply of fresh produce, packaged food, and personal hygiene items at no cost. Walk-in service, no appointment needed. Serves residents of Golden Valley, New Hope, Robbinsdale, Crystal, and Plymouth (east of Highway 494). Generally open Monday through Thursday, with extended evening hours on Mondays.
Hopebridge Food Shelf
Address: 4217 Boone Ave N, New Hope, MN 55428. Phone: (763) 536-3282
Distributes shelf-stable groceries, canned goods, and paper products to northwest suburban Hennepin County residents. Also provides Thanksgiving and Christmas food baskets seasonally. Call for current distribution days and any residency requirements.
Interfaith Outreach & Community Partners (IOCP)
Address: 1605 County Road 101 N, Plymouth, MN 55447. Phone: (952) 473-2436. Website: https://iocp.org/
A comprehensive social services organization serving Plymouth and surrounding western Hennepin County communities. Operates a food shelf providing free groceries and household supplies, along with USDA commodity food programs. Also offers SNAP application assistance, financial counseling, and emergency utility help. Call for current food shelf hours and intake requirements.
Westonka Community Food Shelf — St. Vincent de Paul
Address: 2443 Commerce Blvd, Mound, MN 55364. Phone: (952) 472-5599. Website: https://westonkacommunityfoodshelf.squarespace.com/
A partnership of local churches serving the Westonka area — Mound, Spring Park, Minnetrista, Minnetonka Beach, and surrounding Lake Minnetonka communities. Provides free groceries and emergency food assistance. Call for current hours and service area eligibility.
Intercongregation Communities Association (ICA)
Address: 12990 St. David's Rd, Minnetonka, MN 55305. Phone: (952) 938-0729
Provides free food and household goods to families in western Hennepin County, including information on USDA surplus commodity programs. Serves the Minnetonka and surrounding area. Call for current schedule and service area.
Maple Plain Area Food Shelf
Address: 1815 Budd Ave N, Maple Plain, MN 55359. Phone: (763) 479-1620
A community food shelf serving the Maple Plain area in far western Hennepin County. Call for current hours and what to bring on a first visit.
Southern Suburbs — Bloomington, Edina, Richfield, St. Louis Park, Eden Prairie
VEAP — Volunteers Enlisted to Assist People
Address: 9600 Aldrich Ave S, Bloomington, MN 55420. Phone: (952) 888-9616. Website: https://veap.org/
VEAP operates one of the largest food pantries in Minnesota, serving more than 10,000 individuals each month. The food pantry uses a client-choice shopping model with fresh produce, meats, dairy, bread, and shelf-stable items, plus personal hygiene products and diapers. Serves residents of Bloomington, Edina, Richfield, and the portion of south Minneapolis west of Cedar Avenue and south of 50th Street. Appointments required; visits are allowed twice per month. In-person pantry shopping is offered Monday through Thursday, with a drive-through option on Fridays. Staff and volunteers speak Spanish, Somali, Russian, Mandarin, and other languages. Also operates a mobile food pantry at community sites and offers home delivery for homebound clients who cannot travel.
St. Louis Park Emergency Program (STEP)
Address: 6812 W Lake St, St. Louis Park, MN 55426. Phone: (952) 925-4899. Website: stepslp.org
The food shelf for St. Louis Park residents, operated by a long-standing community nonprofit. Provides free groceries and emergency food assistance to households in St. Louis Park. Call for current hours and intake requirements.
People Responding in Social Ministry (PROP)
Address: 14700 Martin Dr., Eden Prairie, MN 55344. Phone: (952) 937-9120. Website: prophelps.org
Serves low-income residents in Eden Prairie and southwest Hennepin County. Provides food shelf assistance including pantry boxes, fresh items when available, personal hygiene items, and diapers or baby formula as available. Call for current hours, service area eligibility, and intake process.
St. Bonaventure Catholic Community
Address: 901 E 90th St, Bloomington, MN 55420. Phone: (952) 854-4733
Operates a senior meal program and food assistance through the parish community in south Bloomington. The food pantry can generally be accessed a couple of times per month. Call for current schedule and eligibility.
Meals on Wheels — Home Delivery for Seniors and Homebound Adults
Metro Meals on Wheels
Address: 1200 Washington Ave S, Suite 380, Minneapolis, MN 55415. Phone: (612) 623-3363. Website: meals-on-wheels.com
Coordinates home-delivered meal programs across the Twin Cities metro including all of Hennepin County, delivering nearly 1.7 million meals annually to over 9,800 individuals. Fresh, hot meals are delivered on weekdays, with frozen meal options available for weekends and holidays. Dietary options include low-sodium, low-sugar, vegetarian, kosher, halal, and culturally specific menus including Somali and other options. Meals may be covered by Minnesota Medicaid waiver programs for eligible clients. Call (612) 623-3363 to sign up or to find the specific provider serving your neighborhood.
WeCAN Meals on Wheels
Phone: (952) 472-0742. Website: https://www.wecanmn.org/
Delivers fresh, nutritious meals to homebound seniors and adults with disabilities in St. Bonifacius, Minnetrista, Independence, and nearby western Hennepin County communities. Has operated since 1974. Funded in part by Hennepin County. Call for eligibility and to start service.
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