Food Resources
Please call a site before visiting in person to be sure you have the most up to date information.
Call the Minnesota Food Help Line at 888-711-1151 to connect to programs that can increase your food budget such as SNAP, WIC or other food resources. Interpreters are available.
The Minnesota Department of Human Services emergency food support page outlines hunger resources including food assistance, meal programs and grocery delivery.
Find food and meals near you
Many free meal and food assistance programs are available in Ramsey County.
Use our interactive map to find programs near you, including food shelves, farmers markets, grocery stores, delivery services, and free dining and meal sites.
Programs to increase monthly food budgets
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
SNAP, also known as food stamps, helps Minnesotans get the food they need for nutritious and well-balanced meals. If you had a loss of income, or change in circumstances, apply as soon as possible. If you qualify, you will receive monthly benefits on an EBT card (like a credit card) that can be used at many stores and farmers markets and now can be used for online purchases at participating retailers (see details below).
SNAP resources
- Check your SNAP eligibility and other benefits online.
- View additional food assistance information.
- Apply online
- FAQs: Purchasing food online with EBT benefits (currently Aldi, Amazon and Walmart).
- View farmers markets that accept P-EBT and SNAP.
Get help applying
- Second Harvest Heartland:
- Call 651-209-7963 or 844-764-5513 (toll-free).
- Habla Español.
- Hais lus Hmoob.
- Interpreters available.
- Hunger Solutions:
- Call 888-711-1151.
- Interpreters available.
- Ramsey County Financial Assistance Services:
- Call 651-266-4444.
- Interpreters available.
Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
WIC participants receive benefits on an eWIC EBT card (like a credit card) that allow you to purchase healthy foods such as milk, cheese, eggs, whole grains, fruits and vegetables. WIC also offers nutrition counseling, breastfeeding support and community referrals. Due to COVID, all WIC services are being provided over the phone.
The WIC program is available for women, infants and children in Ramsey County that meet the following guidelines:
- Women that are pregnant.
- Women that have had a baby in the last 6 months.
- Women breastfeeding a baby less than 12 months old.
- Families with children up to the age 5.
- Meet income guidelines (many working families are eligible).
Call the Ramsey County WIC program at 651-266-1300 to find out if you are eligible. Appointments are available in English, Hmong, Karen, Somali and Spanish.
Programs and services for all
As part of the Ramsey County Investment and Support Efforts (RISE) program, the county is contracting with several community-based organizations to support food and basic needs programs.
Food shelves
Most Ramsey County food shelves are allowing anyone in need to come. Call first to find out reduced hours, locations and what you may need to bring to receive food. Using emergency food resources at a local non-profit food shelf will not impact your immigration status or count as a public charge.
- Food Shelves (English) (PDF)
- Cov Tub Rau Khoom Noj (Hmong) (PDF)
- Food Shelves (Karen) (PDF)
- Bakka Nyaata Tolaa (Oromo) (PDF)
- Kabadhada Cuntada (Somali) (PDF)
- Estantes de alimentos (Spanish) (PDF)
Free meals
Many organizations within Ramsey County are offering free prepared meals for you and your family. Due to COVID19, location, hours and services have changed. Call first for latest details.
- Free Meal Sites (English) (PDF)
- Cov Chaw Muab Khoom Noj Pub Dawb (Hmong) (PDF)
- Free Meal Sites (Karen) (PDF)
- Bakka Nyaatni Tolaa Argamu (Oromo) (PDF)
- Goobaha Cuntada Bilaashka ah (Somali) (PDF)
- Sitios de Alimentos Gratuitos (Spanish) (PDF)
Fare for All
Fare for All is a low cost, mobile grocery purchase program. You can save up to 40% off typical grocery prices on quality, nutritious food by shopping with Fare for All. There are no qualifications to participate and no pre-registration. Grocery pick up is conducted via drive through.
Programs for children under the age of 18
Free Meals for Kids mobile app
The app is a great way to help families and kids locate free healthy meals during the pandemic. Visit the links below to download the free app:
Free meals through school districts
Check with your local school district for up to date information on meal pickup locations and timing, delivery needs and school district specific requests or options:
Programs for seniors
Help at Your Door
Help at Your Door offers grocery delivery service to seniors over 60 and individuals with disabilities across Minnesota’s seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area for a small fee. The fee may be reduced based on income. The program accepts EBT/SNAP payments. Visit the grocery assistance page or call 651-642-1892 for more information.
Meals on Wheels
Meals on Wheels provides nutritious meal delivery for older and disabled adults who are homebound on a short-term or long-term basis. Eligible participants are people who are 60 years old or more or people with short-term or long-term disabilities.
Service during COVID-19 includes:
- An option to receive frozen meals weekly rather than daily.
- Non-contact deliveries.
- Sliding scale fees with the goal is to serve anyone who qualifies.
Visit the sign up page or call 651-318-9091 for more information. Habla Español.
Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging
The Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging provides a resource list of services offered across the state including those provided to American Indian elders. View the resources list or call the Senior LinkAge Line at 800-333-2433.
Nutrition Assistance Program for Seniors (NAPS)
Second Harvest Heartland provides a box of nutritious food each month to low-income seniors 60 years old and over through the program. Program participants are given a box of highly nutritious food that may include canned fruits, vegetables and juices, milk, cheese, canned meat, peanut butter or dried beans, cereal, rice or pasta. Qualifying participants must be low-income Minnesota residents (seniors at 130% poverty level). Participants are required to provide recently postmarked mail with name and address, knowledge of current gross monthly household income, and picture ID. Call 651-484-8241 for eligibility to find a location. Interpreter services are available by calling 800-365-0270. Delivery is offered to home-bound seniors.
Programs for people with transportation or mobility barriers
Home meal delivery through Ramsey County
If you are a Ramsey County resident and have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, you may be eligible to have up to 21 prepared meals delivered to your home for free each week. All meals are nutritionally balanced and are prepared by licensed food providers.
Home meal delivery program information
Metro Mobility Grocery and Goods Delivery
Certified Metro Mobility customers can order groceries and household essentials online from a store that has online shopping and local pick up. Metro Mobility will pick up your order and deliver it to your house. Current Metro Mobility customers are eligible. You may qualify for Metro Mobility if you have a disability or health condition that at least prevents you from using Metro Transit busses or trains. For more information visit the Metro Mobility Grocery and Goods Delivery page, call 651-602-1111, or email Metro Mobility.
Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) available
Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) is available for Minnesota families with children who miss free/reduced-price meals at school because of distance or hybrid- learning due to COVID-19 during the 2020-2021 school year.
Your child must be receiving benefits through free or reduced-price school meals, SNAP, MFIP or TANF. If you think your child may qualify, now is the time to enroll. Benefits will begin to be issued in late March 2021.