Community Resources

Food resources

Please call a site before visiting in person to be sure you have the most up to date information.

Call the Minnesota Food Help Line at 888-711-1151 to connect to programs that can increase your food budget such as SNAP, WIC or other food resources. Interpreters are available.

Programs to increase monthly food budgets

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

SNAP, also known as food stamps, helps Minnesotans get the food they need for nutritious and well-balanced meals. If you had a loss of income, or change in circumstances, apply as soon as possible. If you qualify, you will receive monthly benefits on an EBT card (like a credit card) that can be used at many stores and farmers markets. SNAP resources:

• Check your SNAP eligibility by answering a few simple questions.
• Apply for SNAP. 
• View additional food assistance information.

Contact Financial Assistance Services for assistance by calling 651-266-4444. Community partners can also check your eligibility and help you apply:

• Hunger Solutions: Call 888-711-1151.
• Second Harvest Midwest: Call 888-339-3663.

Women, Infants and Children (WIC)

WIC participants receive benefits on an eWIC EBT card (like a credit card) that allow you to purchase healthy foods such as milk, cheese, eggs, whole grains, fruits and vegetables. WIC also offers nutrition counseling, breastfeeding support and community referrals. Due to COVID, all WIC services are being provided over the phone. 

The WIC program is available for women, infants and children in Ramsey County that meet the following guidelines:

• Women that are pregnant.
• Women that have had a baby in the last 6 months.
• Women breastfeeding a baby less than 12 months old.
• Families with children up to the age 5.

Call the Ramsey County WIC program at 651-266-1300 to find out if you are eligible. Appointments are available in English, Hmong, Karen, Somali and Spanish.

Programs and services for all

Food shelves

Most Ramsey County food shelves are allowing anyone in need to come. Call first to find out reduced hours, locations and what you may need to bring to receive food.

• Food shelves (PDF)

Free meals

Many organizations within Ramsey County are offering free prepared meals for you and your family. Due to COVID19, location, hours and services have changed. Call first for latest details. 

• Free meals sites (PDF) 

Programs for children under the age of 18 

Free Meals for Kids mobile app

The app is a great way to help families and kids locate free healthy meals during the pandemic. Visit the links below to download the free app:

• Apple
• Android

Meals for kids during statewide school closings

Hunger Solutions has collected information on where families and kids can go to get a free meal during Minnesota’s statewide school closures. View the meals for kids during COVID-19 map.

School districts offering free meals

Check with your local school district for up to date information on meal pickup locations and timing, delivery needs and school district specific requests or options.

School district	Contact
Mounds View Public Schools: ISD 621	651-621-6000
North Saint Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale: ISD 622	651-748-7622
Roseville Area Schools: ISD 623	651-635-1600
Saint Anthony and New Brighton: ISD 282	612-706-1001
Saint Paul Public Schools: ISD 625	651-632-3760
White Bear Lake Area Schools: ISD 624	651-407-7500

Programs for seniors

Help at Your Door

Help at Your Door offers grocery delivery service to seniors over 60 and individuals with disabilities across Minnesota’s seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area for a small fee. The fee may be reduced based on income. The program accepts EBT/SNAP payments. Visit the grocery assistance page or call 651-642-1892 for more information.

Meals on Wheels

Meals on Wheels provides nutritious meal delivery for older and disabled adults who are homebound on a short-term or long-term basis. Eligible participants are people who are 60 years old or more or people with short-term or long-term disabilities. Visit the sign up page or call 651-318-9091 for more information.

Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging

The Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging provides a resource list of services offered across the state including those provided to American Indian elders. View the resources list or call the Senior LinkAge Line at 800-333-2433.

Nutrition Assistance Program for Seniors (NAPS)

Second Harvest Heartland provides a box of nutritious food each month to low-income seniors 60 years old and over through the program. Program participants are given a box of highly nutritious food that may include canned fruits, vegetables and juices, milk, cheese, canned meat, peanut butter or dried beans, cereal, rice or pasta. Qualifying participants must be low-income Minnesota residents (seniors at 130% poverty level). Participants are required to provide recently postmarked mail with name and address, knowledge of current gross monthly household income, and picture ID. Call 651-484-8241 for eligibility to find a location. Interpreter services are available by calling 800-365-0270. Delivery is offered to home-bound seniors. 

Programs for people with transportation or mobility barriers

Metro Mobility Grocery and Goods Delivery 

Certified Metro Mobility customers can order groceries and household essentials online from a store that has online shopping and local pick up. Metro Mobility will pick up your order and deliver it to your house. Current Metro Mobility customers are eligible. You may qualify for Metro Mobility if you have a disability or health condition that at least prevents you from using Metro Transit busses or trains. For more information visit the Metro Mobility Grocery and Goods Delivery page, call 651-602-1111, or email Metro Mobility.

Food resources from other community partners 

Organization	Service Area	Contact	Additional Resources
CEAP	Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, and East Champlin.	763-566-9600
Centennial Community Food Shelf	East Blaine, Lexington, Circle Pines, Lino Lakes and Centerville.	763-784-2013
Christian Cupboard Emergency Food Shelf	Woodbury, Oakdale, Landfall, and part of south Maplewood.	651-233-1296
Comet's Cupboard	Concordia University Saint Paul students, staff and faculty.	651-641-8261
Franciscan Brothers of Peace Food Shelf	Saint Paul.	651-646-8586
Friends in Need	Saint Paul and surrounding area.	651-458-0730
Good In the ‘Hood’s Foodshelf-In-A-Box	Multiple metro locations.	612-217-4003
The Hallie Q. Brown Food Shelf	Summit-University neighborhood of Saint Paul.	651-224-4601
Hugo Good Neighbors Food Shelf	Hugo, Centerville, portions of Lino Lakes and portions of White Bear Lake.	651-528-6224
Hunger Solutions	Hunger relief information across Minnesota.	651-486-9860	Find help map. Free meals for families and kids during school closures.
Keystone Food Shelves	Saint Paul locations, no geographic restriction.	651-645-0349	Food mobile hours and schedule.
Merrick Food Shelves	Maplewood residents and east side of Saint Paul residents.	651-287-2088
Neighborhood House Food Support Program	West side of Saint Paul and Sibley Manor in Highland Park.	651-789-2500
Neighbors, Inc. Food Shelf	South Saint Paul.	651-455-5000
North St. Paul Area Food Shelf	North St. Paul and Oakdale.	651-770-1309
Ralph Reeder Food Shelf	Mounds View Public School District.	651-621-6280
Saint Paul Public Schools Nutrition Services	All Saint Paul families.	651-603-4950	Call 651-696-9600 to locate your bus stop pick up location. Call 651-523-6328 if you have a critical need for delivery.
Salvation Army Eastside Corps	East side of Saint Paul.	651-776-8169
Second Harvest Heartland	Southern Minnesota and western Wisconsin.	888-339-3663	SNAP/EBT (food stamp) information and application assistance. (PDF)
Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities	Saint Paul.	651-292-1721
White Bear Area Emergency Food Shelf	White Bear Area School District.	651-407-5310

Housing resources

Housing Link has created a COVID-19 resource for renters page including specific information for renters in Minnesota regarding evictions, unemployment insurance, emergency assistance, food, utilities, internet and effective communication with landlords. The resource page tracks the executive orders of Governor Tim Walz regarding evictions and lease terminations during COVID-19. 

Ramsey County works with a variety of local agencies to provide resources for people who are experiencing homelessness, at risk of becoming homeless or need emergency assistance to stay in their homes. View the Housing Services and Support page for additional homeless assistance information. Visit Heading Home Ramsey for additional community partner resources. 

Resources for homeless services providers

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) issued updated guidance for homeless services providers. This updated guidance provides specific information on what shelters can and should do to prepare and what to expect if there is a positive case in your setting.

Homeless prevention resources from community partners

Organization	Program	Services Provided	Contact
American Indian Family Center	Thinica Owichakiyapi Thipi.	Rent assistance.	651-793-3803
Community Support Center	Homelessness prevention.	Works with residents of New Brighton, Mounds View, North Oaks, Shoreview and Arden Hills to prevent homelessness.	651-387-8050
Comunidades Latinas Unidas en Servicio (CLUES)	Homelessness prevention.	Rent assistance.	612-746-3550
Face to Face	Youth Homelessness Project.	Youth outreach and limited rent assistance.	651-772-9644
Lutheran Social Services	StreetWorks Collaborative.	Youth outreach.	651-354-3345
Minnesota Community Care	House calls.	Rent and utility shutoff assistance.	651-266-1290
Neighborhood House	FHPAP Housing Assistance.	Rent and utility shutoff assistance.	651-789-2500
The Salvation Army	Youth emergency shelter.	Hotel beds are available now through Monday, April 27 for unsheltered youth who are ages 18-24.	651-444-5757
YMCA of the Greater Twin Cities	Homelessness prevention and outreach.	Youth prevention and rent assistance.	763-493-3052