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.

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Showing local options for South St. Paul and resources that serve the whole area.

Walk-in options

Drop in during open hours — no appointment or registration required.

Walk-in · No appointment

Neighbors, Inc.: Neighbor’s Nook

Express food distribution with no appointment needed. You can proxy shop for other families. Name is no longer required.

Where: 222 Grand Ave W, South St. Paul

When: Tue & Thu 1:00–3:00 p.m. · Wed 4:00–6:00 p.m. · 3rd Sat 10:00–11:30 a.m.

What’s covered: Milk, eggs, meat, prepackaged meals, produce. Food only, no essentials.

Bring: Household size (children, adults, seniors) and whether income is above 300% federal poverty level.

Visit site · 651-455-5000

Food shelves and pantries

Local options. Check access type and hours before going.

Appointment required

Neighbors, Inc.: Food Shelf

In-person shopping, curbside pickup, or delivery. Appointments are typically booked about 6 weeks out; use Neighbor’s Nook in the meantime.

Where: 222 Grand Ave W, South St. Paul, MN 55075

Service area: Serves South St. Paul, West St. Paul, Inver Grove Heights, Mendota Heights, Mendota, Sunfish Lake, and Lilydale.

When: By appointment. Phones staffed Mon–Fri 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

What’s covered: Food and essential items.

Visit site · 651-455-5000

Meal support

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

SSP residents · Mondays

Central Square Community Center: Free Take ’n Bake Meals

Free take ’n bake meals (single-serve or family style), delivered Mondays or available for pickup.

Where: 100 7th Ave N, South St. Paul, MN

When: Delivered Mondays. Pickup Mon after 3:00 p.m. through Sat 2:00 p.m. while supplies last.

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