Aid resources · Food and grocery help

Food help: food shelves, pantries, and free meals

Find free groceries, food shelves, food pantries, and free community meals across Dakota County and the South Metro. Compare walk-in, pickup, and appointment options to find the best fit.

Start here first

Use this page to compare food shelves, pantry programs, and meal support.
Check location, hours, and eligibility before going.
Start with the closest, lowest-barrier option.

Also need help with rent, utilities, or health care? See housing and rent help or health and clinic help.

Before you go: We update these listings as changes are confirmed, but programs, hours, eligibility, forms, and funding can change quickly. Call or check the linked site before going in person, applying, sharing personal information, or referring someone.

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Showing local options for Inver Grove Heights and resources that serve the whole area.

Food shelves and pantries

Local options. Check access type and hours before going.

Intake form · Local families

Parent Care Collective

Community-rooted mutual aid for local families, offering food and supplies, care packages, and practical family support.

Who it helps: Families in South St. Paul, West St. Paul, and Inver Grove Heights.

What’s covered: Food and supplies, care packages, and practical family support.

How to access: Start with the CareServe intake form (English or Spanish).

Service area: Serves ZIPs 55075, 55076, 55077, and 55118.

Language access: English and Spanish intake forms available.

Good to know: Community-rooted support. Participation is voluntary. Availability and response times may depend on current capacity.

Visit site · English intake form · Spanish intake form

This opens an outside form. Share only what the form requires.

Meal support

Free community meals and grocery giveaways. Most are drop-in.

Monthly · Register online

Grace Church of the Nazarene: Grocery GiveAway

Free grocery giveaway on the first Saturday of each month. Register online in advance.

Where: 7950 Blaine Ave E, Inver Grove Heights, MN

When: 1st Saturday monthly, 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Visit site

Statewide programs

State and federal programs available across Minnesota

Statewide · Income-based

The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)

Distributes USDA foods through food shelves, on-site meal programs, and shelters. Available to anyone in Minnesota who self-reports household income at or below 300% of the federal poverty guidelines.

Where: Minnesota, statewide. Distributed through local food shelves.

When: All year round

Learn more about TEFAP