St. Louis Park
COMMUNITY GUIDE 2025
STEP celebrates 50 years of giving back
The St. Louis Park Emergency Program, which started as a supply closet and a pantry of dry goods in 1975, has transformed into a vital resource serving over 4,000 St. Louis Park residents each year. The building got a makeover and extension in 2023, growing its operating space to a 15,000-squarefoot facility, and in 2025, the Program turned 50 years old.
With its grocery store-style food storage, community members can grab quality proteins, organic vegetables, dry goods and even fresh flowers. Kosher, Halal, allergy-sensitive and culturally relevant collections are offered so that all residents of the Park can stay fed.
But after 50 years, STEP is so much more than food. Kids’ birthday presents with party supplies and cake mix ensure that no formative childhood memories are off limits due to income. Diapers, clothes, shoes and baby formula help the smallest of St. Louis Park residents to start out on the right foot.
Pet supplies, back-to-school essentials, social work, rental assistance, a boutique of quality clothing, delivery and contactless pickup opportunities and more are all available to STEP’ s visitors – because living with dignity and stability shouldn’ t cost a dime.
At its 50-year anniversary gala, STEP raised over $ 200,000 to keep up the momentum of relentless volunteerism and
community partnership. There are over 120 regular volunteers from retired individuals to youth faith groups, from those who have never experienced food insecurity to those who have. But there’ s still work to be done.“ We are committed to being here for the long term, and we invite everyone to join us in our mission to reduce hunger in the St. Louis Park area during the uncertain years to come,” said Derek Reise, STEP’ s executive director.
Some of the anticipated donation drive events are the backto-school backpack drive, the Fall Matching Campaign and the CMX Holiday Train, where guests can see a live concert, grab a hot chocolate and celebrate the season of giving.
STEP’ s building is located at 6812 West Lake Street. Food and clothing donations can be brought to the door under the black awning facing the alley labeled“ Donations and Deliveries” at STEP during the following times: Mondays 8 a. m. to 3:30 p. m., Tuesdays noon to 7 p. m., Wednesdays and Thursdays 8 a. m. to 3:30 p. m. and Fridays 8-11:30 a. m. There are also donation bins at the front of the Knollwood and West End Cub Foods locations.
To learn more about STEP’ s history, to obtain services and explore volunteer opportunities, visit stepslp. org or call 952- 925-4899.
ST. LOUIS PARK | COMMUNITY GUIDE | 2025 | 19