A couple of nights ago, I was chatting with someone I have known for years. When they heard that I was now working at a Food Shelf, they shared how much local Food Shelves have helped them and their family. The need in our community is real. I think sometimes it is easy for many of us to think food insecurity is just a small issue in an area like White Bear Lake, but it's not. In fact, in 2019 we saw a rise of 25% in first-time people at the Food Shelf. That is an average of 52 new families each month.
In response to that need, I want to thank the hundreds of people that came out and supported the Bear'ly Open event a couple of weeks ago. The event helped raise over $21,000 to fight food insecurity in our community. Also, thank you to the generous local businesses that sponsored the event and helped make it a fun and meaningful event. What a great way to kick off 2020!
Perry Petersen
Executive Director
Upcoming Events at
The Food Shelf
The White Bear Area Food Shelf will be participating in the Minnesota FoodShare Campaign again this year from March 1 - April 12! The largest grassroots food and fund drive in the state, the campaign brings together various community organizations, businesses, and faith communities to help stock nearly 300 food shelves statewide.
We encourage our supporters to team up with your family, neighbors, friends, faith organization or office team and host a Food & Fund Drive for the Food Shelf. Check out the How to Sponsor a Food Drive Page on our website for more information.
“This is the first time I’ve heard of anything like this. This is so cool.” - Family shopping for the first time at a January Monthly Choice Market
News at
The Food Shelf
We are looking for a new person to join the Food Shelf Team as a Market Coordinator!
The Market Coordinator will lead market programs that are inviting and resonant for shoppers from all walks of life. This role will drive our mobile market programs, specifically addressing barriers related to mobility and transportation. The Market Coordinator will question, reflect, and adapt while working alongside a dedicated crew of staff and volunteers. This person will infuse a spirit of positivity into each day.
Know someone who may be interested? A full job description can be found on our Website Blog.
The Food Shelf is pleased to welcome two new members to our Board of Directors - Sheila Kelly and Dan Perry!
Sheila, who owns Sheila J. Kelly Law Firm, will join the Governance Committee. Dan, a Financial Advisor with Edwards Jones in White Bear Lake, will serve on the Executive Committee as Treasurer and Finance Chair.
They join current Board members - Scott McCune (Chair), Tina Volpe (Secretary), Kathy Doucette, Jessica Engman, Rick Juba, Jim Kritta and Dan Wachtler as active members. Ken Galloway and Amy Johnson will serve as 2011 Emeritus Board Members.
Please visit the Staff & Board Page on our website for the full listing of board information and committee assignments.
The Food Shelf
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Are you looking for an opportunity to spread the word about the Food Shelf in the community?
If you are, an Outreach Ambassador role may be perfect for you! These volunteers interact with local community members and groups to raise awareness and educate the public in the following ways:
Tabling Events: Greet guests, answer questions, provide information on programs and services, solicit donations and build relationships with participants at various community events.
Mobile Market Intake: Help gather demographic information from neighbors participating in mobile markets and free farmer’s markets throughout the community. Promote the food shelf’s programs and connect neighbors with staff regarding further resource support.
Attend a volunteer orientation to learn more about the Ambassador Role and the many other volunteer opportunities at the Food Shelf!
