VOLUNTEERS ENLISTED TO ASSIST PEOPLE

VEAP is the largest food shelf in Minnesota and the longest running economic support agency in the communities it serves. Since 1973, VEAP’s basic needs programs have worked together to help alleviate the financial stress that result from unexpected expenses or lapses in income. VEAP faces the challenge of meeting the needs of one of the largest geographical sectors of working poor families and individuals in the state of Minnesota; which consists of the cities of Bloomington, Edina, Richfield and South Minneapolis with a population totaling 200,000 residents. In this time of economic instability, VEAP continues to see and support the increases in the number of individuals and families seeking assistance. VEAP’s four main programs focus on prevention and early interventions. Brief descriptions of programs are as follows: • Food Services provide a five-day supply of food to residents experiencing a shortage, hygiene products when available and baby products for families. • Children and Youth Services Program provide children with school supplies and holiday gifts, families with holiday groceries, and deliver fully prepared, hot meals to seniors. • Social Services offers professional social work services in addition to emergency financial assistance to residents in need of housing, utilities, car repairs and day care. • Transportation Services provide rides for limited-income senior and disabled residents, primarily to medical appointments and essential personal errands. VEAP was founded on the belief that helping a neighbor in need ultimately strengthens the community. We need your help in supporting our neighbors in moments of crisis! Support VEAP’s mission and vision of “Neighbors serving neighbors in need, improving lives of people in the community.”