RICHFIELD
COMMUNITY GUIDE | 2024
Hunger groups bring resources to those in need
Several organizations in Richfield offer services to feed and provide respite for those in need .
Perhaps the most well known is Volunteers Enlisted to Assist People , or VEAP . VEAP is the Twin Cities ’ largest food pantry , providing access to healthy foods , social services , and financial assistance to residents of Bloomington , Richfield , Edina and south Minneapolis . It serves more than 10,000 individuals each month .
In the 1970s , a small group of churches in Richfield and south Minneapolis that delivered Meals on Wheels became increasingly concerned about the poor and deteriorating living conditions of seniors in their community . This along with other societal issues mobilized a group of 13 Bloomington and Richfield churches to band together and in 1973 , VEAP was formed .
The food shelf has staff and volunteers fluent in Spanish , Somali , Russian , Mandarin and other languages to assist patrons of all backgrounds . Generally , it operates 9 a . m . - 4:30 p . m . Monday through Friday . There are no income requirements to shop the pantry .
In addition to an onsite food pantry , VEAP operates a mobile food pantry and conducts at-home deliveries . The organization also has a team of social workers and case managers to address short- and longterm needs , including a limited rental and utility assistance program .
VEAP also has supplemental programs for students attending school at the Edina , Richfield and Bloomington
14 | Richfield Community Guide | 2024 school districts that are likely to be food insecure during the school day or throughout the weekend .
Others offer a supplemental hand to feed the community . Fare For All hosts a pop-up grocery store at up to 40 % reduced costs one day each month at the Richfield Community Center . Products include fresh produce and frozen meat bundles that vary from $ 10- $ 30 . No pre-registration is required to participate .
Loaves & Fishes gives away free to-go meals 5-6 p . m . Monday-Friday at Hope Presbyterian Church and 5:30- 6:30 Saturday-Sunday at Woodlake Lutheran Church . The program welcomes anyone who would benefit from a free , nutritious meal – no questions asked .
Volunteers Enlisted to Assist People 9600 Aldrich Ave . S ., Bloomington 952-888-9616 veap . org
Fare For All 763-450-3880 fareforall . org
Loaves & Fishes 612-377-9810 loavesandfishesmn . org