COMMUNITY GUIDE 2024
CRYSTAL | ROBBINSDALE NEW HOPE | GOLDEN VALLEY
Food shelves operate amid heightened food insecurity
The work of local food shelves has become even more important as food insecurity has continued to increase in the northwest suburbs . In a time when these institutions are needed most , staffing and supply chain challenges have made it especially difficult to ensure residents ’ needs are met .
PRISM is a nonprofit organization that was founded in 1970 . In its food shelf program alone , the agency provides an estimated 1 million pounds of food to 8,000 children , adults and seniors in Golden Valley , Plymouth , New Hope , Crystal and Robbinsdale every year . Food shelf options include fresh produce , dairy , meat , deli , bread and nonperishable foods .
Other services include the Shop for Change Thrift Shop , a rental and utility assistance program that helps residents maintain stable housing . Children-specific programs include an annual school supply drive , holiday toy drives , and a birthday gift program .
PRISM is on the southeast corner of Zane Avenue and Golden Valley Road , 1220 Zane Ave . N ., Golden Valley .
NEAR , or North Suburban Emergency Assistance Response , is a Crystal-based nonprofit volunteer organization created by twelve member churches . It provides food relief to residents in Robbinsdale , Crystal and New Hope and attendees of a member church .
18 | CRYSTAL • ROBBINSDALE • NEW HOPE • GOLDEN VALLEY | Community Guide 2024
The Food Group collects and distributes food to a network of 200 hunger-fighting agencies throughout 30 + counties in Minnesota and Wisconsin . The group works with food shelves like PRISM and NEAR , to make sure food supplies are balanced and adequate .
In 2021 , the organization reported that it served 8 million meals to those experiencing hunger .
The organization ’ s Fare for All program operates facilities that are similar to a grocery store , where name-brand products are available at discounted , wholesale prices . Fare for All is a traveling grocery store concept that stops monthly at nearly 40 distribution sites in the metro area and Greater Minnesota .
The Food Group is headquartered at 8501 54th Ave . N . in New Hope .
The organization also partners with local schools and churches to provide weekend nutrition to students , and partners with emerging farmers to grow food .
Visit the websites and social media pages for all updated information , and consider donating time or money to these institutions .
For PRISM , call 763-529-1350 or visit prismmpls . org . For NEAR , call 763-533-2836 . For The Food Group , call 763-450- 3860 or visit thefoodgroupmn . org .