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FOOD SHELF FIGHTS HUNGER
The Rush City Food Shelf , located inside the community center , represents a whole community of people – church congregations , civic groups , businesses and neighbors – working together to fulfill its simple mission : “ To supply food to people expressing a need .”
The organization serves families with income challenges , seniors on fixed incomes , one-parent households , and those managing disabilities , high medical expenses or emergencies The food shelf needs volunteers , donations of food and money , and many other forms of support to continue preventing hunger .
The food shelf opens at 3 p . m . each Tuesday and stays open until 6 p . m . on the fourth Tuesday of each month , and is currently using a drive-through distribution method . It welcomes donations of non-perishable canned and boxed items , fruits and vegetables , toiletries , juice , cleaning supplies , cereal and more . Donations can be dropped off at any local church or the Rush City Food Shelf during business hours . The food shelf also encourages cash gifts ; for every dollar it receives , it can buy $ 9 worth of food from the non-profit supplier and hunger-relief organization , Second Harvest Heartland .
Rush City Food Shelf , 720 W . 14th St ., 320-358-4428 , ( if you need help right away , call 763-274-8055 ), rushcityfoodshelf @ gmail . com . Get updates on Facebook @ rushcityfoodshelf .
SPLASH INTO GOOD TIMES AT THE RUSH CITY AQUATIC CENTER
Swimmers of all ages and skill levels gather for fun throughout the summer at the city ’ s aquatic center , which opens June through August . The Aquatic Center offers outdoor aquatic recreation including a 165-foot slide , a lap pool , a 26- foot drop slide , and a zero-entry play area with multiple slides and water features . Visitors can also access full-sized locker space and concessions such as ice cream , treats , snacks , soda , water , candy , nachos and more . Besides recreational swimming , patrons can participate in water aerobics classes or take Red Cross-certified lessons in their skill level . They offer classes ranging from preschool aquatics , introduction , and basic fundamentals to classes for stroke development / improvement , water safety , and fitness . Most lessons cost $ 50 for Rush City residents and $ 55 for non-residents ( prices subject to change ). Sign-up is on designated dates for three sessions of swimming lessons happening throughout the summer . Those wanting lessons must sign up and pay for them in person on the designated sign-up day . With a maximum of 120 children per session , spots are given on a first-come , first-served basis . ‘ Lil Tots ’ swimming lessons enable parents and guardians to enjoy time in the water with their children as the class emphasizes swimming readiness with fun in the water . The lessons consist of eight
sessions and they teach children ages 6 months to 2 years in a 30-minute weekly class . ‘ Lil Tots ’ students can graduate to a second level for children ages 2-4 years old . Weekly classes last for 40 minutes . Both ‘ Lil Tots ’ classes include two instructors guiding a total maximum of 30 children , and parents must accompany students in the pool .
Sign-up for these lessons will be on Tuesday , June 11 during regular pool hours .
Water aerobics happen on Monday and Thursday evenings from 6:30-7:30 p . m .
Private lessons can also be scheduled if that ’ s a better fit for your swimmer .
Private rental of the aquatic center is available from 10 a . m . - noon Saturdays . Call or visit the website for fees .
Regular admission call or visit their website for current admission prices .
The school district owns the aquatic center , which is located beside City Hall . During its season , the pool is open daily from 12:30-6:30 p . m . Much more information about dates , times , and prices is available on the school district ’ s website .
Rush City Aquatic Center : 305 South Eliot Ave ., Rush City ; 320-358- 3074 during the season ; 320-358-4795 during the off-season ; visit www . rushcityk12 . mn . us – click the Community link followed by the Aquatic Center link .
North Branch / Rush City Community Guide • February 2025