CAER Food Shelf Provides Hunger Relief for Local Families

What kind of items can I find at CAER?
We offer a variety of healthy, nutritious foods such as milk, eggs, dairy products, meat, fish, breads, fresh fruits and vegetables, and bakery items, along with a selection of nonperishable food items. As a client-choice food shelf, you select the foods that best suit your family’s needs. We also have household products and personal care items available.
What should I expect from a shopping appointment?
CAER is a client-choice food shelf, which means you select your items. You will not need to bring identification. We will simply need to know your name and the number of people in your household or family.

We will give you a tour of the facility and explain how to make food selections based on your family size, preferences, and needs. Then, you’ll be given a cart to “shop” for food and products, after which volunteers will bag your items, bring your cart to the parking lot, and load your vehicle.
Can someone else shop for me?
We ask that you come in for the initial shopping appointment. For future appointments, you can designate someone to shop on your behalf.
Do I need to live in Elk River to use CAER Food Shelf?
As a no-boundaries food shelf, CAER welcomes individuals in need from any city. If there are food shelves in your local area, however, we do encourage you to utilize those resources. The Hunger Solutions website has a map of food shelf locations, or we’d be happy to help you find additional resources.
How often can I receive food?
Food shopping appointments are available once per family each calendar month. Families with children in grades K-12 can pick up the Kids Weekend CAER Package every week, no appointment needed.
What’s in the Kids Weekend CAER Package?
The Kids Weekend CAER Package includes pre-packed, easy-to-prepare meals and snacks to ensure kids (K-12) have nourishment through the weekend. Each pack contains enough food for two kids. Families with more than two kids can pick up additional packs to satisfy their family’s needs.
How do I know if I’m eligible?
Food programs are available to any resident in need. Based on The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) eligibility guidelines, you must declare that a) you are in Minnesota, and b) your household income is at or below the Federal Poverty Guidelines listed on the TEFAP chart.
Does CAER help families outside of Elk River?
CAER Food Shelf is a no-boundaries organization that welcomes those from any city. We do have information on food shelves and community assistance programs in other areas, if you would like to access the resources in your neighborhood.