Donate Food and Items

Community donations of food and other items are essential to the success of our programs. Every month, generous contributions from members of our community help support more than 750 local households with meals and essentials.

Donation Hours

To drop off items, please go to the door at the back of the building and ring the bell.

Donation and Office Hours


Door C (Back of the Building)

Monday           9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

Wednesday    9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. 

Thursday        3:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m.

Friday               9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

Food & Items We Accept

  • Ketchup
  • Baking ingredients:
  • Flour, sugar, spices, and oil
  • Peanut butter and jelly
  • Canned chicken or tuna
  • Canned fruits and vegetables
  • Coffee
  • Paper towels
  • Laundry soap
  • Hygiene products
  • Diapers
  • Household cleaning supplies
  • Books for children and adults
  • School supplies (seasonal)
  • Winter wear (seasonal)

Donate School Supplies

Every child deserves to start the school year with confidence and the tools they need to succeed. That's why, before each school year begins, we provide school supplies to local children, ensuring they're equipped to excel in the classroom.


We distribute supplies to hundreds of students annually, and your support makes a significant difference. We estimate that a donation of $30 can provide a complete set of school supplies for one student.


We accept donations of new, unused school supplies in July and early August each year. Monetary contributions are also welcome. All donations are distributed to students in mid-August, just before the school year starts.

Most-Needed School Supplies:

  • Crayola crayons (24 count)
  • Crayola wide-tip markers (10 count)
  • Ticonderoga pencils
  • Pens: blue, black, or red ink
  • Glue sticks and glue bottles
  • Dry-erase markers and highlighters
  • Scissors
  • Crayola or Prang watercolor paints
  • Spiral bound notebooks (wide and college)

Winter Wear Donations

Each winter season, CAER distributes cold weather gear to help more than 600 local youth and adults stay warm. We rely on generous donations of new and gently used winter items from September through March.

Winter wear items we can accept for youth and adults include:


  • Winter coats
  • Snow pants
  • Warm mittens and gloves
  • Winter boots

Ready to make a difference?

*Amazon items can be purchased online and delivered directly to CAER.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What types of items can I donate?

    • Non-perishable food 
    • Hygiene products
    • Diapers
    • Household goods
    • Fresh garden produce (seasonal)
    • Books for children and adults
    • Winter coats, gloves, snow pants, and boots (October–February)
    • New school supplies (July–August)

  • Are there any items CAER cannot accept?

    • Perishable food items
    • Fresh/frozen meats, such as turkeys
    • Venison or other fresh game. Hunters who would like to safely donate fresh game can find information for doing so on the MDA website.
    • Furniture, household items, etc.
    • Clothing
    • Non-perishable food products that are more than a year beyond their best-by date 

  • When can I drop off donations?

    To drop off items, please go to the door at the back of the building and ring the bell. If you have any questions, please give us a call at 763-441-1020.


    Donation Hours

    Monday 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

    Wednesday 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

    Thursday 3:00–6:30 p.m.

    Friday 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.


  • Does CAER accept expired food?

    Many pre-packaged foods are perfectly fine to consume beyond their "sell by" or "use by" date stamp. These dates are primarily for inventory management and quality and have nothing to do with food safety.


    Food shelves follow different standards for stocking items. Our volunteers meticulously check every non-perishable item donated to ensure it meets our guidelines:


    • It's unopened.
    • It has a "sell by" or "use by" date of the current year or later.
    • It has the original label attached, listing ingredients and nutritional information.

    Please note: Baby food and formula must be dated for the current month or later. Items past this date are considered expired and cannot be distributed.


  • Can I donate winter jackets that my kids have outgrown?

    Yes. From September through March, CAER accepts donations of new or gently used winter wear, including winter coats, snowpants, mittens and gloves, and winter boots for youth and adults.

  • Does CAER help families outside of Elk River?

    The food shelf and Kids Weekend CAER Packages are available to anyone in need who meets income guidelines, regardless of where they live. We also have information on resources in other areas for those seeking assistance in their neighborhood. Residency restrictions may apply to non-food programs. 

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