Ways to Get Involved with Food Shelf Programs

Wondering how you can get involved with local food shelf programs and help those in need in your community? Join hands and help fight hunger through donating, volunteering, and more with CAER. Whether contributing goods, helping visitors shop for food and essentials, or participating in fundraising events, there are plenty of ways to lend a hand, share your time, and make a difference.

Most Needed Items

If you’re wondering how you can make the biggest donation impact, here are some of the most needed items for food shelf shoppers.

Most needed food items:

  • Cereal
  • Cake or Brownie Mixes
  • Spices
  • Dry Pasta
  • Peanut Butter and Jelly
  • Canned Chicken and Tuna
  • Canned Pineapple, Oranges
  • Coffee
  • Tomato Sauce

Most needed hygiene items:

  • Toothpaste
  • Conditioner
  • Bar soap, Deodorant
  • Baby wipes
  • Diapers, size 4, 5, 6

CAER Donation Hours

To drop off items, please go to the door at the back of the building and ring the bell. For donation times outside of regular hours, please call 763.441.1020. Also note: We are unable to accept individual donations of frozen or refrigerated meat.


CAER also accepts monetary donations. Checks can be made out to CAER Food Shelf and dropped off or mailed to:

12621 Elk Lake Road
Elk River, MN 55330

We accept donations of food, personal health and hygiene items, and household cleaning products throughout the week.


Monday: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Wednesday: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Thursday: noon-5 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

How You Can Help

Every month, CAER provides food and other items to more than 750 households in and around Elk River. With your help, we can continue to provide support and relieve hunger in our community.

Goods

Many of CAER’s programs are supported by generous donations from the community.

Donate

Make the most impact with your food donations and support local families in need.

Volunteer

Become a part of our team and help the community through volunteer opportunities.

Events

Participate in CAER Food Shelf community events to help raise funds and awareness.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you would like to get involved with any of CAER’s programs or services but have questions, we have answers. Here are some of the questions we are asked most often.

  • What types of items can I donate?

    CAER’s programs provide food as well as other goods for local families in need. We gladly accept donations of:


    • Nonperishable food items
    • Books
    • New school supplies and backpacks (from May–September)
    • Winter gear and weatherproof outerwear (from September–March)

  • Which food items do people need most?

    We greatly appreciate any food donations, as they will be added to the selection for our food shelf shoppers. Our most-requested items include:


    • Baking ingredients, like flour and sugar, as well as cookie and cake mixes
    • Ketchup and tomato sauce
    • Peanut butter and jelly
    • Dry pasta
    • Canned fruits and vegetables
    • Coffee
    • Canned chicken or tuna

  • Can anyone volunteer with CAER?

    Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and preferably able to commit to 2–4 volunteer shifts each month.

  • What if I want to drop off a donation after regular hours?

    Donations are accepted during scheduled hours throughout the week. If you are unable to drop off your donation during those times, please call 763.441.1020 to set up another time. Regular donation hours are:


    • Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
    • Thursday: noon-5 p.m.

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