Get Food at CAER

With a visit to CAER, you can access a wide variety of perishable and non-perishable foods, personal care items, and helpful resources—all at no cost. Schedule your shopping appointment today.

Food Shelf by Appointment

Everyone needs a little help sometimes—and at CAER Food Shelf, we’re here to make that experience welcoming, respectful, and easy.


When you schedule a visit to the food shelf, you’ll get to shop in a grocery store-like setting and choose the items that best meet your family’s needs. CAER Food Shelf utilizes an appointment system to eliminate long waits and create a more personal and comfortable experience. Appointments can be scheduled online or over the phone and open 72 hours in advance. We’re here to help you bring home nutritious food, with respect for your time and preferences.

Kids Weekend CAER Package

If you have children in grades K–12, our Kids Weekend CAER Package can help fill the gap when school meals aren’t available. Each package includes a weekend’s worth of kid-friendly meals and snacks and is designed to support students so they can focus on being kids—and not worried about food.


We’re here to support you—one meal, one visit, one family at a time.

Food Shelf Hours

Schedule a shopping appointment to visit the food shelf. Appointments can be made online or over the phone. 

Food Shelf Hours

By Appointment


Door A

Monday           10:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m.

Wednesday    10:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m

Thursday        4:30 p.m–6:00 p.m. 

​Friday               10:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Kids Weekend CAER Packages may be picked up Thursdays and Fridays during food shelf hours without an appointment.

Other Support Available from CAER

At CAER, we do more than provide groceries. We’re here to support our neighbors in meaningful, practical ways. In addition to offering healthy food at no cost, we also offer other programs and resources to help meet everyday needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

First-time visitors and even those familiar with CAER Food Shelf often have questions about the shopping process, eligibility, and more. We’re here to answer some of those most-asked questions for a more comfortable experience.

  • How do I know if I'm eligible?

    The food shelf programs at CAER are open to anyone who needs them. To receive food, you simply need to self-declare that your household meets the income guidelines. You do not need to provide proof of income.


    You can view the current income guidelines on the TEFAP Income Eligibility Chart. If you are experiencing food insecurity, we encourage you to come in—no one will be turned away in an emergency.

  • How often can I receive food?

    Visits to the food shelf are available once per calendar month, by appointment. Families with students in kindergarten through grade 12 can pick up a Kids Weekend CAER Package every Thursday or Friday without an appointment, during normal food distribution hours.

  • What's in the Kids Weekend CAER Package?

    The Kids Weekend CAER Package is a prepackaged menu of food that contains a weekend’s worth of meals and snacks for school-aged children. Offerings vary each week but include a mix of fruits and vegetables, boxed meals and sides, proteins, dairy, and more. There also may be an occasional fun treat! 


    Each “pack” is designed for 1-2 students, and there is a maximum of 3 packs per family. Options are available for students with dietary restrictions, including gluten free, nut free, dairy free, pork free, and vegetarian.

  • What is a visit to the food shelf like?

    A visit to the food shelf is called a shopping appointment because you are able to choose the foods that best fit your needs, similar to how you would at a grocery store. The amount of food you are able to choose is based on the number of people who live in your household, which is explained during the tour you receive at your first visit.


    Shopping choices include fresh fruits and vegetables; dairy; eggs; deli meals and sides; bakery, grains, and cereals; meat, fish, and other proteins; cooking and baking ingredients; and non-perishable meals, sides, and snacks. We also have household and personal care items available.

  • Do I need to live in Elk River to get food?

    The food shelf and Kids Weekend CAER Packages are available to anyone in need who meets income guidelines, regardless of where you live.


    If you don't live in Elk River or the surrounding area, there are food shelves closer to where you live. For information on food shelves and assistance in other areas visit https://www.2harvest.org/find-food/care-center

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