Join the 2023 Food Shelf Challenge from CAER Food Shelf and OYH

CAER Food Shelf • January 16, 2025

You can make a difference for hungry families in our community.

Children are home from school and the family budget is tight. CAER Food Shelf helps provide nutritious food to these families and needs your help this summer.


In a normal summer, CAER will see an increase in child visits. When school is out, many children miss out on free school meals and their families turn to the food shelf for support. This summer, between the kids being home from school and more families experiencing economic hardship due to inflation, soaring food and gas prices, and the impacts of expiring COVID-19 pandemic relief programs, food shelves are seeing a greater level of need. 


Every day, Minnesotans make over 15,000 visits to food shelves statewide – that is more than ten visits to a food shelf every minute if food shelves were open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In 2022, Minnesotans made a record 5,505,100 visits to their food shelves statewide – up almost 2 million visits from the year prior. Children represented 35 percent of food shelf visits in Minnesota with a total of 1,934,205 visits, up 55 percent from 2021.


Make a bigger impact on hunger in our community this July


You can make a difference this year by donating to CAER Food Shelf throughout the month of July. The more you donate, the larger CAER's grant from Open Your Heart to the Hungry and Homeless (OYH) will be. Since 1986, Open Your Heart to the Hungry and Homeless has targeted millions of dollars to strategically fight hunger in Minnesota. The challenge funds will proportionally match your donation up to $4,000. 


Financial donations can be made to CAER Food Shelf:

Online at caerfoodshelf.org/donate
In person during regular donation hours 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday/Wednesday/Friday or 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday
By mail to CAER Food Shelf, 12621 Elk Lake Road, Elk River 55330


For more information: info@caerfoodshelf.org or call 763-441-1020.

< Older Post

Remembering Norma Madsen

By CAER Food Shelf • January 9, 2025
Norma Madsen, a faithful long-term volunteer, passed away peacefully on January 21, 2024.

Honoring our Dear Friend, Pam Black

By CAER Food Shelf • January 2, 2025
From the moment she joined the board in 2016, Pam became a beacon of warmth and genuine connection, focusing on improving the lives of others. She remembered the names and stories of our clients, greeting them each time with a smile and a heartfelt, "How are you doing, sunshine?" Her ability to engage with others was unparalleled; her humor and infectious laughter brightened the days of both staff and clients. Pam often shared delightful stories of her ONE adventure camping with her beloved husband, Ron, and cherished lunches with her cousins. She had a unique way of making everyone feel special, always asking about their experiences and life journeys. Her honesty was a gift. She spoke her truth respectfully and kindly, encouraging those around her to feel at ease. Pam's impact extended beyond her role on the board; she created an environment where everyone felt valued and heard. As we worked alongside Pam throughout the years, we admired her unwavering confidence and the genuine sincerity with which she shared her wisdom. It was truly inspiring to experience the depth of her insights and the warmth she brought to our discussions. During her time with CAER, Pam devoted 962 hours to volunteer work, demonstrating her strong commitment to contributing beyond her board responsibilities. Although this number doesn't include the many moments spent in meetings and conversations, it reflects her passion for making a positive impact. Pam had a unique ability to bring people together, and her spirit of hospitality made even the most unfamiliar settings feel like home. In her final conversations with a fellow board member, she exemplified grace and positivity despite her struggles. We will all profoundly miss her kindness and resilience. We are grateful to have known Pam, who was indeed one of a kind. Her legacy of friendship, compassion, and service will live on in our hearts. We find comfort in knowing she is in the Father's arms and trust that we will see her again one day. Let us cherish the memories we hold of Pam Black, a remarkable woman who profoundly impacted our lives and those of our clients.