Free and Low-Cost Food Resources Across Minnesota

With this guide we’re compiling a growing list of free and low-cost food resources across Minnesota, from major statewide organizations to local community suppers. Please use this resource and help us expand it by sharing additional local food programs in the comments.

In a state as abundant as Minnesota, no one should have to worry about where their next meal will come from. Whether you’re a family looking for ways to stretch your grocery budget in difficult times, a senior seeking regular meal assistance, or a concerned community member looking for local support for a friend or relative, there are resources are available (more groups, churches and private businesses are stepping up each day) to help ensure as many tables as possible are full – it’s just that they can be hard to find.

While we’re just getting started, the plan for this guide is to be a comprehensive, central hub for discovering free and low-cost food assistance programs across the state. From major county-wide food shelves and services to neighborhood-specific free meals and grocery store freebies, it’s a list of ways to access nutritious food (along with a few treats mixed in). We encourage you to bookmark this page and share it with anyone who might benefit.

Join the Facebook Group for updates.

To make sure this resource is as helpful and complete as possible, I’m asking for your help! If you know of a food shelf, free community meal, church program, restaurant freebie or any other free or low-cost food initiative in your Minnesota community—especially those in smaller towns and neighborhoods—please share it with us! Use the comment section below or contact me by e-mail directly so we can continue to update and expand this resource for all Minnesotans.

This is a NEW project and very much a work in progress! Please help us to build the list!

Food Resource Locator

Second Harvest Heartland has a Minnesota Food Resource Locator on their web site. You just need to select your county or city to get a list of availability in your area. Their listings include food shelves, produce distributions, senior food boxes (CSFP), discount groceries, ready-to-eat meals and farmers markets.

Loaves and Fishes

Free meals are provided by Loaves and Fishes in communities throughout Minnesota. Their community meal sites serve to-go meals in most locations. See a directory of upcoming meals here.

Minnesota Food Helpline

For assistance finding food resources, you can call the Minnesota Food Helpline – Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday. They will refer you to food shelves, discounted groceries and other food resources in your area. Call or text 888-711-1151 for assistance.

Hope for the Community

Hope For The Community is a humanitarian organization dedicated to helping those in need. Each week, it provides food to hundreds of families at locations throughout the Twin Cities Metro and also in St. Cloud. See their distribution locations and times here.

Gopuff SNAP Relief Program

The Gopuff delivery service is ofering $50 worth of delivered groceries for free, broken into two separate $25 credits during November. To receive, you need to either already have a SNAP EBT card connected to their Gopuff account or else add one. Here are the directions to do this.

Hy-Vee Kids Club Freebies

You can sign your kids up for the Hy-Vee Kids Club free program and they’ll get a free surpise in each department every time you visit. This includes a free piece of fruit, free cookie, free slice of cheese, free sucker and free Oreo fluff sample.

Hy-Vee Free Kids Meals (Adult $3 Meals)

Through November 14, every Hy-Vee store with hot food service will provide a free kids meal to those ages 12 and under from 4-7 p.m. The same meal will be available to everyone else for $3 and will be offered for dine in or to go. To follow is the menu that will be offered at each participating location this week:

• Monday, Nov. 10: Chicken Alfredo with Penne Pasta and Garlic Bread
• Tuesday, Nov. 11: HyChi Chicken or Pork and Vegetable with Rice and Appetizer
  • In locations without HyChi, the meal will be Two Chicken Tenders, Mashed Potatoes and Corn
• Wednesday, Nov. 12: Breakfast for Dinner
• Thursday, Nov. 13: Smoked or Chipotle BBQ Baked Chicken, Potato Salad and Cookie
• Friday, Nov. 14: Sloppy Joes with Seasoned Green Beans

Taco John’s

Through November 2, Taco John’s is offering a free meal to anyone impacted by the government shutdown and in need of a meal who walks in between 9am and 11pm and asks for the “Community Support Special.” The meal includes a bean or beef burrito and a Jr. order of Potato Olés. No questions asked. Availability may vary by location.

Impossible Foods

Impossible Foods has launched a relief program to send free coupons for their products. They’re offering two coupons per household, each redeemable for a free Impossible product (up to $10 in value). They can be redeemed at eligible grocery stores and in Minnesota some of those stores are Target, Hy-Vee, Cub, Walmart and Fresh Thyme. Fill out a form to receive your coupons in the mail.

Grocery Store Free Fruit for Kids

Many grocery stores offer a free piece of fruit for kids with no purchase necessary. For instance, Cub foods offers children 12 and younger a complimentary piece of fruit when you shop in-store. Hy-Vee and Cook county Co-Op do this as well. Let us know of others!

Grocery Store Free Cookies for Kids

Some grocery stores also offer a free cookie for kids. These include Hy-Vee, Cub and Coborn’s.

Free Thanksgiving Meals

Many organizations are offering free meals for Thanksgiving. Please note that for many of these you may need to register in advance. They include:

Brainerd – Free Thanksgiving Meal Delivery or Pickup

Minneapolis – Sam’s Helping Hand Holiday Baskets

Minneapolis – Northside Community Violence Prevention Turkey Giveaway

Resources by City

Apple Valley

The Open Door’s Mobile Pantry Program visits Christus Victor Lutheran Church on the third Thursday of every month from 11:30am – 1:30pm. Pick up pantry staples as well as fresh, healthy, and perishable food via the Mobile Pantry Bus! Most visitors leave their Mobile Pantry Appointment with 60-80 pounds of food. Any resident of Dakota County is welcome to make an appointment for an upcoming visit by calling 651-686-0787. Appointments are REQUIRED.

Backus

CommUnity Meals offer a free weekly meal on Thursday for anyone who is hungry. Meals are pick-up only at Pine Mountaineer Senior Center. Serving time is from 4pm until every meal is gone. Meals will not be served until 4pm.

Bloomington

A Community Food Shelf is provided by Food in the Hood & Cedar Valley Church the 1st and 3rd Tuesday each month from 5–7 p.m. It’s a client-choice food shelf where you choose the items you need. Receive high-quality essential grocery items and a delicious meal on the spot. They also provide health, nutritional, and advocacy support. In addition to our foodservice and support services, they also offer foot care services. There is no income requirement to receive food—Simply fill out a form when you arrive.

Brooklyn Park

Every Tuesday, a Free Drive Thru Food Distribution happens at the Salvation Army Noble Worship and Community Center at 10011 Noble Parkeway N. Items that may be available incude bread, pastries, dairy products, fresh produce, frozen meat, canned goods, pizza and more. If you can’t make this time, call them at 763-425-0517 to ask about scheduling an appointment.

Burnsville

November 5 – Community Chili Night at The Buzz Coffee & Cafe. They’ll be serving chili, corn bread, sodas and milk. There are also plain waffles and eggs for kids 12 and unger. Sign up in advance so they can estimate how much to prepare.

Cambridge

Cambridge Surplus Food Distribution is held on the Third Tuesday of each month. Onsite registration begins at 1pm with food distribution beginning at 2pm. You need to bring your drivers license and 1 bill with the same address on it. Food can only be loaded in the trunk or back of vehicles due to safety issues.

Columbia Heights

Starting Monday 11/3 Heights Pizza Man will have pizza slices, salads and cheesebread available for those in need no questions asked. They will keep it no questions asked as long as it doesn’t feel like they are being manipulated, at which point they will begin asking to see proof of a SNAP or WIC card. They will continue to do so as long as their budget allows.

Starting Monday 11/3 Yummy Bites at 4230 Central Ave NE will provide a free warm waffle to anyone who stops by 2-4pm – no questions asked.

Coon Rapids

Faith Lutheran hosts a drive-thru food distribution on the last Wednesday of the month from 2:30-4:30 p.m. No one will be turned away. 

Cottage Grove

Whether they are in Cottage Grove or another location for the day, Whisky Creek BBQ is offering a “Whiskey Creek Meal” at no charge, no questions asked. It’s a pound and a half of pulled prk, 2 medium sides and 4 cornbread with buns as well.

Crookston

Irishman’s Shanty is offering a free kids chicken strip meal to kids in need. If you are struggling to feed your child all you have to do is call and say you would like to use the snap promotion and no other questions will be asked.

Duluth

Starting Tuesday, November 4, and until SNAP returns, kids 12 and under can stop by any Duluth’s Best Bread stores to get a free day-old loaf of bread or pastry.

Edina

Until the return of SNAP benefits, Q. Cumbers is offering free take-home meals made from our daily leftovers — no questions asked. Each meal can serve 2–4 people and may include rice, bread, vegetables, potatoes, pasta, or pizza. Please limit one pickup per day, per family so they can help as many families as possible. Hot meal pickup is Sunday–Thursday: 7:45–8:15pm and Friday–Saturday: 8:15–8:45pm. Refrigerated meal boxes are available anytime during the day while supplies last. Since supply may be limited, they encourage you to call them at (952) 831-0235 before stopping in to check availability.

Elk River

On November 25th, Community Table is serving a free meal at the Elk River Legion from 4-6pm.

Farmington

The Open Door’s Mobile Pantry Program visits Rambling River Distribution Center on the third Tuesday of every month from 3-4:30 p.m. Pick up pantry staples as well as fresh and healthy food from via Mobile Pantry! No appointment needed! Most visitors leave this distribution with an assortment of produce and perishable items. Anyone in need of food assistance is welcome to attend this monthly distribution at the Rambling River Center. NO APPOINTMENTS NEEDED!

Finland

Farm To Table Food Distributions happen 1pm-3pm at the Clair Nelson Community Center on the first Sunday of each month.

Fridley

St. Philip’s Lutheran Church has a weekly Community Supper on Wednesday Nights. With a different meal each week, you can pull up to get a meal to go betwen 5:15 and 6pm.

Grand Marais

Contact Mike’s Holiday Gas Station via Facebook if you need additional food or a weekend food bag.

Gun Flint Tavern is offering free soup and bread pickup every Wednesday from 11am–3pm, available until SNAP benefits are restored. No questions asked — No proof needed. Simply email GunFlintTavern@gmail.com with your family size by at least 48 hours before pickup and we will have it ready for you to pick up that Wednesday.

AEOA Mobile Food Pantry offers a drive-through distribution of shelf-stable, fresh, and frozen foods such as proteins, grains, dairy, fruits, and vegetables the 4th Wednesday of each month at Cook County Community Center from 1:30-2pm.

The Cook County Food Shelf is located in the First Congregational Church and open Mondays 3-5pm and the 1st Wednesday of each month 5-7pm.

Grand Portage

AEOA Mobile Food Pantry offers a drive-through distribution of shelf-stable, fresh, and frozen foods such as proteins, grains, dairy, fruits, and vegetables the 4th Wednesday of each month at Grand Portage Community Center from 11:30am-12pm.

Grandy

The Brass Rail shared on their Facebook page for those in their area “If you are truly experiencing food insecurity due to the government shutdown, please reach out to us and we will either help you or connect you with someone who can. brassrailchicken@gmail.com.

Hastings

On Tuesdays, Lock and Dam Eatery will be offering a free meal to those with proof of SNAP and a matching ID. Children can order off the kids menu and adults can order spaghetti or fettuccine Alfredo.

Lakeville

The Open Door’s Mobile Pantry Program visits Valley Christian Church on the first Wednesday of every month from 12:15-2 p.m. Pick up pantry staples as well as fresh, healthy, and perishable food via the Mobile Pantry Bus! Most visitors leave their Mobile Pantry Appointment with 60-80 pounds of food. Any resident of Dakota County is welcome to make an appointment for an upcoming visit by calling 651-686-0787. Appointments are REQUIRED.

Little Canada

Eggroll Queen is offering free Community Meals during the SNAP pause. Every Wednesday and Friday, from 3–8 PM, until SNAP benefits are restored, families and individuals can pick up a free hot meal from their kitchen at 85 County Rd B E with Fried Rice, Pork Stir Fry and Chicken Dumplings. Sign up by contacting them on Facebook Messenger.

Minneapolis

Free Produce Distribution is happening Thursday October 30th and November 6th from 3-6 pm at both 707 42nd Ave N and 1701 Oak Park Ave.

Present your EBT card at the Mill City Farmers Market info booth to receive $10 in Farmer’s Market Bucks. First and third Saturdays of the month.

North Mankato / Blue Earth County

Complete an order form with ECHO Food Shelf to customize your food order and schedule a time for pickup. Eligibility is self-declared. Anyone who is currently within 300% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines is eligible. Those experiencing financial crisis, such as job upheaval or medical emergencies, are also eligible regardless of income level. Other programs are also available.

Pine City

At Cabina Coffee, ANY child (17 & under) that asks for a grilled cheese sandwich, will not be charged. You do not need to ask for anything special. Simply order the grilled cheese for your child (they must be present), and it will be FREE. Each child will receive a made to order grilled cheese, chips and a pickle (or cucumbers for the chips). This will continue until SNAP benefits are restored. Limit one meal per child, the child must be present, and you must dine-in.

Pine River

CommUnity Meals offer a free weekly meal Mondays for anyone who is hungry. Meals are pick-up only at the Riverview Church. Serving time is from 4pm until every meal is gone. Meals will not be served until 4pm.

Prior Lake

Community Plate meals happen the last Thursday of every month at Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church.

Red Wing

The Mac Shack has a SNAP Menu available from 11am to 7pm while the SNAP program is inactive. Just show your snap portal that you were active in October and an ID to match the name on your account.

St. Paul

Any family in need can visit Hope Breakfast Bar Saint Paul between 7AM and 9AM and pick up hot, fresh pancakes to take home — no questions asked.

Every Tuesday, Zions Community Commons offers a Weekly Community Dinner, served by Eureka Compass Vegan Food. It’s available for dine-in or take out. It’s best to pre-order.

Shobi’s Table is a pay-as-you can cafe and community. This mobile truck serves lunch Tuesday through Friday from noon-1pm from their BIG BLUE FOOD TRUCK! Their purpose is giving EVERYONE access to real, nutritious food – no matter what you can pay – 10 cents, $10, $100, or nothing at all. Find the locations and days at the bottom right of the front page of their website.

Shamrocks and The Nook are offering a free kids meal with either a hamburger or cheeseburger, fries and an apple for children available Monday through Wednesday. You can call to place an order at 651-228-9925. Bring your SNAP card and photo ID when picking up the order.

Big Island Poke is offering a hot meal for anyone who needs it daily through November 15th from 12-3pm at 74 Snelling Ave. S.

Stewartville

On Saturday November 1, the Stewartville Dairy Queen is serving a free hot meal for anyone in need — one meal per person, while supplies last. This won’t be the regular DQ menu — they’ll have a homemade-style meal starting at 10am available while supplies last.

Two Harbors

Anderson’s Greenhouse will give children 13 years and younger a free bagged meal, one bagged meal per child per day, until SNAP benefits resume.

Zimmeman

Passing the Bread is a food distribution on the last Saturday of each month (with exceptions for Nov and Dec). It serves residents in zip codes 55398 and 55371. It’s held at the Distribution Center at 26833 5th St. West. If you have an urgent need for food outside of that time frame you can call Dana at 763-568-5114 or Dave at 612-226-2779. The next distribution is scheduled for November 22nd 9-11am. In December it will be December 20th.

County Services

Depending on the Minnesota county you live in, your may have access to a list of resources in your area. You can check the county web site or give them a call. Resource lists for some counties are included below:

Anoka County

Carver County

Dakota County

Ramsey County

Rice County

Scott County

Washington County

Note – All of these resources that are community based are looking for additional donations and volunteers. Please contact them if you have the resources to help.