At Valley Outreach, we believe that choice is essential to dignity. Everyone deserves the freedom to select foods that meet their needs, preferences, and traditions. That’s why, as a certified SuperShelf, we make the healthy choice easy, but not the only choice.

All of the food we purchase meets high nutrition standards — in fact, we source 20% more nutrient-dense foods than most food shelves across the state! At the same time, we recognize the need for variety by accepting community donations of all kinds.

One elderly client shared, “For years, I was accustomed to what people may call the ‘finer things’ in life. And I like really good food. I got that here! And I also see things I never did before and want to try.”

Thanks to generous community food drives, donations, and food rescue partnerships with Kowalski’s, Cub, Target, and Walmart, our shelves reflect the joy and abundance of everyday life. Of the many items our retail partners donate, the breads, cakes, and treats are often the ones that bring the biggest smiles, adding a little extra delight to someone’s day. At Valley Outreach, we trust families and individuals to select the foods that are right for them. Choice and dignity guide everything we do — from how we organize our shelves to how we welcome every person who walks through our doors.

What is a SuperShelf?

SuperShelf is a collaborative approach to food shelf services that prioritizes access to nutritious foods while still offering the other items people want. In fact, over 80% of our SuperShelf is dedicated to high-health value options such as fresh produce, dairy, eggs, meats and proteins, as well as whole grains and flour.

The SuperShelf model works to ensure positive, dignified experiences for food shelf shoppers by:

• Choice: Shoppers can browse and select the foods that best fit their preferences and dietary needs. The role of volunteers and staff is to guide and support, not to decide for them.
• Health: Like a grocery store, SuperShelf layouts highlight nutritious options first, making healthy choices easy and appealing.
• Dignity: The space is bright, clean, and welcoming—reducing stigma and helping every visitor feel valued and respected.

By offering nutritious options in an environment of choice and respect, SuperShelf allows people to make healthy decisions with confidence.

Interested in learning more? Check out Understanding Food Insecurity for more information!

The Importance of Choice

While SuperShelf encourages healthy eating, it does not limit choice. True dignity comes from autonomy—the ability to decide what’s right for you and your family.

Here’s a great example of why it matters. A senior client shopping in our food shelf found a chocolate cake before he checked out. He shared that he was having friends over that afternoon to play cards and was so happy to have a sweet treat to share with them.

The client was overjoyed. That small moment showed how choice and options turn a trip to Valley Outreach into something personally meaningful — helping people celebrate, not just get by.

At Valley Outreach, choice is an act of respect. It’s how we honor each individual’s story while promoting overall well-being.

Join Us in Supporting Choice

When you support Valley Outreach—whether as a donor, volunteer, or advocate—you help ensure that everyone in our community has access to food, dignity, and choice.

Donate today to help us continue creating a welcoming, empowering SuperShelf for all.