At Valley Outreach, we strive to ensure that everyone has access to healthy, nutritious food. We work with community partners, businesses, volunteers, and members of the community every day to ensure our food shelf is stocked with quality food items. Two of the most important ways we get food are through Food Rescue and Food Donations. Both of these methods help us reduce food waste, provide healthier options to families, and strengthen the community.

Food Rescue: Giving Surplus Food a Second Chance

The process of food rescue is where it all starts. Local businesses often have surplus food they can’t sell or use before it spoils. Rather than letting it go to waste, we routinely pick up the extra items and ensure they get into the hands of those who need them.

The food we rescue ranges from fresh produce and proteins to dairy, non-perishables, and more! Volunteers collect the food and bring it to Valley Outreach. Then, warehouse volunteers sort it before it’s added to the food shelf! We partner with local retailers like Target, Cub Foods, and Kowalski’s to collect surplus food that can be redistributed.

Through food rescue, we reduce food waste while providing nutritious foods. In turn, we are helping build a more sustainable and connected community.

Food Donations: A Powerful Way to Give Back

In addition to food rescue, Food Donations play a vital role in ensuring we keep our shelves stocked with a good variety of food. It’s also a way for individuals, businesses, and community groups to actively contribute.

A perfect example of a statewide initiative that focuses on food donations is Minnesota FoodShare’s March Campaign. This month-long event brings together individuals, faith communities, and businesses across the state to collect donations for food shelves. The funds and food raised during this campaign help support organizations like Valley Outreach and ensure we can continue meeting the growing need in our community.

Lean How To Get Involved!

You can organize a food drive in your school, office, or neighborhood, or you can donate directly to Valley Outreach. We even have a toolkit to help you get started. This resource includes everything you need to know about collecting food and organizing an event that makes a real difference.

Food donations not only help us keep our shelves stocked with harder-to-source items, but they also provide an opportunity for individuals and businesses to come together to fight hunger in a tangible way. Your generosity directly supports families, seniors, children, and individuals who are facing difficult times.

Join Us in the Fight Against Hunger

Together, through food rescue and food donations, we can make sure that no one has to go without.

“With every food donation and rescued item, we’re able to reduce food waste, provide healthier options to families, and strengthen the community. It’s through this collective effort that we can make a real difference in the lives of those that come through the doors at Valley Outreach.” – Grace Leary, Food Program Manager at Valley Outreach

We couldn’t do it without the incredible support of businesses, volunteers, and donors who make this work possible. Whether you’re contributing food, funds, or your time, thank you for helping us make a difference in the lives of so many people.