Serving Our Community with Compassion and Care
Learn more about the history and people behind CAER Food Shelf, helping families in Elk River, Otsego, Zimmerman and surrounding areas thrive by providing food, support, and hope.
Joining Hands, Fighting Hunger
Founded in March 1979, CAER (Community Aid of Elk River) was an initiative established by 12 area churches to provide food assistance and resources to neighbors facing hardship. Those churches formed a Board of Directors and joined hands in an effort to relieve hunger throughout local communities and surrounding areas.
Decades later, CAER continues to provide for individuals and families as a 501(c)3 nonprofit, supported by area churches and schools as well as countless businesses, individuals, and civic organizations.
Kids Weekend CAER Package
Fill the gap when school meals aren’t available for students kindergarten - 12th grade.
Community Resources
If we're unable to assist you directly, we'll help you find the resources you need.
Impact in Numbers
Each year since 2021, we’ve seen a steady increase in the number of families turning to CAER for help as the impacts of inflation and cost of living increases put pressure on household budgets. Many working families are finding it harder to make ends meet—and turning to food shelves like CAER for support to fill the gap.
This is why we're here. In 2024...
1,921
Families
served
1,127,998
Pounds
of food distributed
777
Senior
Deliveries
8,471
Food Shelf
Visits
Through generous donations as well as selfless volunteer support, our community continues to step up and meet the growing need for assistance.
CAER: A Condensed History
1979
Founding & Early Years
- Established in March, with Margaret Longie as Executive Director.
- Initially operated from a grocery store warehouse.
1980-1996
Frequent Relocations
- Experienced multiple moves over 16 years due to growth, including the old county jail (Nov 1980), Lincoln School Community Center (1984), Masonic Lodge (Oct 1992), and the former E&O Tool and Plastics building (1996).
2001
Permanent Home & Program Expansion
- Moved into its own building on Watson Avenue.
- Launched the CAR CAER Program (June 2002).
2007-2010
Facility Enhancements & New Programs
- Expanded facility with a warehouse (2007).
- Received a walk-in freezer donation from Rotary (2008).
- Jennifer Gray named Executive Director (2008).
- Established the Kids Kitz Program (2010).
- Installed a walk-in cooler (2010).
2011-2015
Strategic Changes & Client Experience
- Adopted a new Mission Statement and Bylaws, reducing the Board size (2011).
- Improved accessibility with a north side driveway and service area (2012).
- Implemented client choice shopping (October 2013).
- Carmen Pouliot named Executive Director (2013).
- Expanded parking lot (2014).
- Discontinued clothing/household item collection (2014).
- Won the CAER van (2014).
- Enhanced the shopping area with new refrigeration (2015).
- Launched Senior Outreach Delivery to Zimmerman GA residents (2015).
- Introduced a new website and client/donor software (2015).
- Completed Phase II construction, adding a client exit door (2015).
- Transitioned Gifts Anonymous to the Otsego Lions (2015).
- Introduced a new business logo (2015).
2016-2018
Continued Outreach & Recognition
- Expanded Senior Outreach Delivery to Elk River GA residents (2016).
- Adopted new Mission and Vision Statements (2016).
- Achieved Service Enterprise Non-Profit certification (2018).
- Chad Johnson named Executive Director (2018).
- Installed a new HVAC system (2018).
2019-2020
COVID-19 Impact & Adaptations
- Heather Kliewer named Executive Director (2019).
- Introduced a new logo (2020).
- Adjusted operations due to COVID-19, including drive-thru events, order form shopping, pre-boxed food, and a drive-thru food drive (2020).
- Began an outdoor free farmers market (summer 2020).
- Temporarily paused Kidz Kitz and moved to weekly, then twice-monthly shopping with appointments (2020).
2021-2024
Recovery, Strategic Planning & Facility Upgrades
- Resumed in-person shopping (April 2021).
- Replaced Kidz Kitz with Kids Weekend CAER Package (2021).
- Rolled out a 5-year Strategic Plan with updated mission, vision, and values (October 2021).
- Expanded the walk-in cooler (October 2021).
- Achieved Supershelf Certification (2022).
- Introduced the Fools Run (later Trot O'Gold) as a replacement for the 5k fundraiser (2022-2024).
- Started using new donor software, Network for Good (April 2022).
- Undertook office and shopping area remodels, including new flooring and in-floor scales (2023).
- Moved to once-a-month shopping (November 2023).
- Completed a new 3-car garage and driveway expansion (October 2024).
- Revamped the Car CAER program, no longer using volunteer repairs (2024).
2025
Future Focus
- Began planning a warehouse remodel.
- Developed a new website.
- Planned the Inaugural Gala.
Need Help?
Make an appointment or call us at 763-441-1020 to connect with a CAER staff member.
Our Mission
To provide support and relieve hunger, together
Our Vision
That hunger is no longer a barrier to the health and well-being of people in our community
Our Values
Compassion, Respect, Integrity
CAER Food Shelf: More Than Just Food
As a local food shelf, providing healthy, nutritious food options for families and individuals is the biggest part of what we do. But that’s not all we do. CAER also provides emergency financial assistance and outreach programs for families, youth and adults in the community.
Financial Assistance
On a limited basis, CAER Food Shelf offers emergency financial assistance to individuals and families. Those who qualify can use this program once every 18 months to help with rent, utility bills, or car repairs.
62
households avoided homelessness
60
households retained utilities
16
household vehicles were repaired
Adult and Young Adult Outreach
Through its adult outreach programs, CAER provides emergency food bags to Sherburne County Health & Human Services and delivers food to low-income seniors in several local retirement communities.
CAER works in conjunction with Open Doors for Youth, a resource center for teens and young adults aged 16-24, to offer nonperishable food delivery.
25,997
pounds of food distributed through 753 deliveries to low-income seniors
1,051
pounds of emergency food bags provided to Sherburne County Health & Human Services
Youth Outreach
Our youth outreach programs offer aid so that no child goes hungry. In support of community youth, CAER Food Shelf works with local youth organizations, including
Thumbs Up and
Open Doors for Youth, to provide perishable and nonperishable food assistance.
1,607
school-age youth received Kids Weekend CAER Packages
517
backpacks with school supplies distributed
2,859
pounds of food distributed to Open Doors for Youth and Thumbs Up
