Our food donation program provides delicious and healthful food to food shelves and neighborhood organizations hosting food distributions for our community.
We recognize the lasting impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, with food shelves experiencing a 300-400% increase in usage. To meet this increase in hunger that our community is experiencing, we are launching this new food donation program. Community organizations and nonprofits can now request a fresh produce or healthy food drop up to two times per year, or for a max of $500 per organization each year, from the co-op.
We understand that a just food system needs not only food to be accessible but also healthy, nutritious and culturally appropriate. When our food shelves or food-relief organizations aren’t able to access sustainably grown or culturally relevant produce, the co-op aims to fill the gap with donations from local, organic and sustainable farmers and makers.
When considering a potential food donation, Mississippi Market looks at the following criteria:
- Is your organization a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit? Food donations are granted to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations.
- Is your organization located in Saint Paul or the surrounding community? Priority is given to organizations based in Saint Paul.
- When is your event or distribution taking place? Requests must be submitted at least three weeks prior to the date the food is needed.
- When did your organization last receive a food donation from Mississippi Market? Food donations are generally granted to organizations a maximum of twice during the co-op’s fiscal year (July-June).