Operating the Twin Cities’ largest food pantry really does take a village. Without the community's ongoing support, VEAP: Volunteers Enlisted to Assist People, would not be able to distribute over four million pounds of high-quality, healthy, and fresh foods to more than 100,000 persons, families, children, and seniors experiencing hunger or food insecurity every single year.
The organization was founded by a group of churches, first in Richfield and then in Bloomington. Although no longer faith-based, it still partners with many churches and community members who are part of faith communities.
In 2024, the nonprofit celebrated its 50th anniversary, and over the years, it has greatly expanded its services thanks to the generosity of others. “Minnesota is wonderful in that both the donor community and the volunteer community are so strong compared to other states,” says Caley Long, its marketing and communications director. “We always top the list when you look at charitable donations and the giving of time and energy.”
There are a multitude of ways in which VEAP helps those in need. Its stationary food pantry in Bloomington books about 215 appointments per day. However, there are times when people come in without an appointment.
“If it's urgent, we'll get them what's called an express pack, which is a bag of non-perishable food that we then add any extra produce that we might have on hand,” she says. “We don't turn anyone away, but then we try to make them an appointment for next time.”
Having an appointment allows people to choose the fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy, and non-perishable items that they and their family prefer. “We try to make it as diverse in options as we can,” says Caley. “We have a lot of gluten-free families, so we're always requesting donations that help meet people’s dietary needs, too.”
VEAP’s Mobile Food Pantry is another way it gets food where it’s most needed by travelling to various locations throughout each month. Everyone is welcome – no appointment is necessary.
For those who cannot travel outside their homes due to transportation, disability, or other issues, the organization can deliver food to residences by appointment.
In addition to food, VEAP connects those in need with social services and financial assistance. This could be for a new mother who can’t work for a few months and needs her rent covered, or for someone escaping an abusive situation and requiring a security deposit on an apartment.
“These are things we know would destabilize a family, so we're able to help temporarily,” says Caley.
Run almost exclusively by volunteers, VEAP is always in need of more assistance. The organization has been recognized as the Bronze Winner in the Minnesota’s Best Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Place to Volunteer.
While the stationary pantry is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 to 5:00, there are many other ways in which to volunteer. “We have both individual and group opportunities, so if people are part of a book club or they want to get their friends together to volunteer, we can host that,” she says. “People can hold what we call Food and Fun drives that could be very specific to a program we offer.”
This would include diapers and formula, as well as items for the special birthday party bags, such as cake mix, frosting, balloons, hats, and party favors. “Or, if someone has an initiative to say pack hygiene kits with their civic engagement group or their neighborhood on a weeknight, we can help accommodate that group,” says Caley. “If they need a speaker, we can send someone to talk about the work we're doing and help pick up and organize collections.”
Of course, financial donations make the most significant impact. “We can take $1.00 and buy three meals' worth of food, which is how strong our purchasing power is,” she says. “While we always encourage food donations, we can get it so much cheaper than an average person going out and buying it.”
Right now, explains Caley, it's a tough time for many nonprofits and charities, and she believes it's going to get worse. “We've had a lot of federal support swept away, and we know that the demand is going to keep growing with the cuts to Medicaid and food support programs like SNAP [Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.] So, any way that people and the community can come together will help us keep that safety net strong.”
To find out how to help others in your community, go to VEAP.org. Or, attend a VEAP Lunch & Learn to learn more about VEAP’s mission and impact in the community.