Public Resources
We offer a wide variety of public resources to support local families. There are monthly announcements about what is happening in the community to keep them informed about food, distribution dates and monthly shipments. Eligible households can receive food through The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), which provides a selection of nutritious staples. Seniors 60 and older may qualify for monthly Senior Boxes (CSFP) filled with shelf-stable items to supplement their diets. These programs ensure access to healthy, affordable food for everyone in our community.
1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month 2:30 pm - 6 pm the food shelf is open to clients to go shopping! Call for appointments at 218-945-3065.
TEFAP
The Emergency Food Assistance Program
To the left is a pdf application to apply for the TEFAP.
To download click the arrow on the top right of photo or to print click printer icon to print.
This application is available to everyone that is eligible, we will look over your application to see if you qualify. When your application is all done you may email it back to fbareafoodshelf@gmail.com or bring to our drop off box outside our door at the Knutson Community Center. Our last option to turn it in is to mail it to FB Area Food Shelf PO BOX 373 Fertile, MN 56540.
Click here for pdf form: TEFAP Eligibility Form
Senior Boxes; CSFP
Commodity Supplement Food Program
At the food shelf we provide senior citizens food boxes every 2nd Wednesday of the month. They are for low-income seniors 60 years or older, who live in Minnesota and want to prepare your own meals. You can apply with the pdf in English and Spanish. In these boxes you will receive whole grains, shelf-stable milk, plant-based proteins, canned meat, fruits/vegetables and cheese.
To download click the arrow on the top right of photo or to print click printer icon to print.
Click here for pdf form: English
Click here for pdf form: Spanish
Click here for pdf form: CSFP Info.
English Application
CSFP Info.
Spanish Application
Emergency
Whenever you are in a pinch to get food, low on food, need food assistance or have a food crisis don't hesitate to call us at 218-945-3065. We are always here to assist you if you need it. We want to help whenever and however we can to get you or your family some essentials.
Fresh Produce
During summer (July-October) every 2nd Wednesday of each month there is fresh fruit available to pick up and take home. We want families to have access to fresh produce and give them more options during the summer.
Fresh Food Bucks
Every month the food shelf partners with Aaron's Grocery in Fertile. Together we can provide food bucks to families that may need assistance. These food bucks are like coupons, they only work on certain foods and are very useful. We want to provide additional money to families. So every month you can get food from the local grocery store. Besides the food bucks Aaron's Grocery helps with grants.
Our Resources
The FB Area Food Shelf benefits from resources provided by North Country Food Bank and Hunger Solutions Minnesota. North Country Food Bank supplies food, coordinates mobile pantries, senior and child nutrition programs. Hunger solutions offer grant funding, emergency support, TEFAP food distribution, and operational resources to strengthen food shelf capacity across Minnesota.
North Country Food Bank serves 21 counties in Northwest and West Central MN, including Polk. They distribute over 6 million pounds of food annually, have backpack program which helps provide food to children on the weekend and have a SNAP outreach Program. Besides helping the community, they find ways to get the community involved like volunteer opportunities.
Hunger Solutions Minnesota supports over 250 food shelves across MN. They helped more than 9 million Minnesotans get food from food shelves. They help with food grants and help statewide to make a difference. They are trying to find a long-term solution to end hunger in the future and better our communities.