The July Open Your Heart Challenge is a way to inspire donations during the month of July, which will then be partially matched.

About Pillsbury Food Shelves

Access to fresh produce, familiar foods and quality meats is something that many of us take for granted. For thousands of Minnesotans who live on limited incomes due to job loss, downsizing, or being among the working poor, it’s a much different story. Pillsbury United Communities has a 130 year history of responding to the needs of Minneapolis’ urban core residents, including access to nutritious, quality, culturally relevant food.

We are proud to be operating three food shelves that collectively serve over 5,300 individuals annually with 540,000+ pounds of nutritious, culturally appropriate food. Individuals and families use the food shelf and additional food programs — including a twice-monthly fresh produce give-away and prepackaged cultural food program — to supplement what they can afford to purchase on their own. Many food shelf users also request hygiene items such as diapers, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, or household items such as toilet paper and laundry detergent.

Food shelf locations and offerings:

• Brian Coyle Food Shelf is located in the Cedar Riverside neighborhood of Minneapolis. The majority of food recipients are East African immigrants, so the Coyle Food shelf distributes "African Packs" that include culturally specific grains and oils used for making family meals.
• Waite House Food Shelf, located in the Phillips neighborhood, ensures that items such as rice, flour, oil, and meats including chicken and beef are available to its mostly Latino/ Hispanic immigrant clients.
• Groveland Food For Youth (GFFY), located in the Stephens neighborhood, is a hassle free foodshelf for youth ages 23 and younger who are homeless or have recently transitioned out of homelessness. Unlike other foodshelves, youth DO NOT need proof of address, picture ID or social security card to receive food. GFFY also has diapers and formula for young parents and first aid kits and supplies to better equip youth for whatever setbacks they may experience.

A Story

“I walked in that first day feeling downtrodden,” Stephen said of his first visit to the food shelf. A Vietnam veteran, Stephen had been referred to Waite House’s food shelf from the VA Hospital. Initially, Stephen felt that visiting a food shelf made him “a bum,” but he now leaves feeling positive and productive. Stephen asserts that it is the genuine, caring staff that makes his food shelf visits “a pleasure.” “I feel good about coming here now,” he said. It’s remarkable.”

Investing in Us

To keep its vision and mission healthy and thriving, PUC depends on the investment of its friends and neighbors. Pillsbury United Communities is one of Minneapolis’ most historic and respected organizations, and has been at the heart of local philanthropy for more than 130 years.

The money you invest in Pillsbury United Communities is dedicated to the participants and the communities we serve. Your donation allows PUC to commit dollars to finding solutions for problems that might otherwise be ignored. The investment you make is tax-deductible and has a visible impact on our participants and community.

Please join PUC in its work; however you are able – as a volunteer, partner or donor. The future we build will be stronger because of your investment.