VEAP – Food Pantry

Food Assistance · Minnesota · Free

Free groceries, emergency food, and social services for Bloomington, Richfield, and south suburban Hennepin County families from the Bloomington Avenue South campus. Shopping-style pantry lets visitors select their own groceries. Bring photo ID and proof of service-area residency. Free services; visitors can shop once a month and receive a supply of fresh, frozen, and shelf-stable foods.

Contact & Details

Address: 8600 Bloomington Ave S, Bloomington, MN 55425

Phone: 952-888-9616

Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-4pm

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About Food Assistance for Fathers

Food assistance programs for US fathers and families include SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly food stamps), WIC (Women, Infants, and Children — which serves custodial fathers of children under 5), the National School Lunch Program, food banks through the Feeding America network, and Meals on Wheels. SNAP is administered state-by-state; eligibility is generally based on household income below 130% of the Federal Poverty Level. Food banks operate in every state and are the fastest way to access food without an application — most require no ID or income verification for initial visits. TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program) supplies food banks with USDA commodities. Summer Food Service Programs feed children during school breaks. This directory includes each state's SNAP office, regional food bank networks, and WIC clinics.

Food Assistance in Minnesota

Minnesota district courts hear family matters across its 87 counties. The Child Support Enforcement Division operates under DHS. Minneapolis-Saint Paul anchors the state; Rochester, Duluth, and Bloomington are other major metros. Legal Aid Service of Northeastern Minnesota, Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services, and Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid cover the state through regional LSC-funded programs.

More Food Assistance in Minnesota

  • Second Harvest Heartland — Largest hunger relief organization in Minnesota distributing food to a network of 1,000+ partner food shelves, meal programs, and schools fr
  • SNAP/EBT – Minnesota DHS — State Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly food stamps) providing monthly EBT benefits for groceries to income-eligible
  • The Food Group — Community food distribution and equitable food systems nonprofit based in New Hope, Hennepin County, operating the Fresh Produce for All pro
  • Feeding America – Minnesota Partners — National nonprofit connecting people to local food banks and pantries including Minnesota affiliates through a free online zip code locator.
  • Community Emergency Service – Food Shelf — Free groceries, emergency food, and wrap-around services for low-income families from the 11th Avenue South location in south Minneapolis. W
  • Keystone Community Services – Food Shelves — Free groceries at multiple Keystone food shelf locations across St. Paul including the Midway Center on Selby Avenue. Shopping-style pantrie

Food Assistance — Common Questions

How do I apply for SNAP?
Apply through your state's Department of Human Services — online, in person, or by phone. Approval for basic cases can happen in 30 days; expedited SNAP is available within 7 days for households in severe need. Bring ID, proof of income, rent/mortgage, and utilities.
Can I use a food bank without applying?
Yes. Most food banks and pantries don't require income verification, ID, or applications for initial visits. Feeding America's online locator (feedingamerica.org) finds nearby pantries by ZIP code. Most pantries let you visit once or twice a month.
Are custodial fathers eligible for WIC?
Yes. WIC covers custodial parents (including fathers and grandparents) of children under 5, and breastfeeding or postpartum mothers. It's commonly assumed to be mother-only — it isn't. Apply at your local WIC clinic. Income limit is 185% of the Federal Poverty Level.
What is summer food service?
USDA's Summer Food Service Program feeds children 18 and under during school breaks. No application required — kids just show up at a participating site (schools, parks, libraries). Text FOOD to 304-304 to find a nearby site, or call 211.