Richfield, MN

Richfield, Minn. (December 5, 2022) – For many people, the holidays are a time of abundance, giving and indulgence. But for some households, the season can also be full of unanswered needs and scarce resources.

 

In acknowledgement of those needs, the Richfield Recreation department is coordinating the third annual Community Food Drive, benefiting local service organization VEAP (Volunteers Enlisted to Assist People). The food drive will run from December 1 – 15.

“We know many households are struggling to feed themselves and their families during the holiday season,” acknowledged Bonnie Hanna-Powers, coordinator for this year’s food drive. “The food and household items donated by the community will provide a much-needed boost to those households, and hopefully allow them some peace of mind during the holiday season.”  

The 2021 food drive saw the Richfield community collecting more than 2,700 pounds of food and household products for VEAP’s clients. This year’s goal is to top 5,000 pounds.

“We encourage the whole Richfield community to participate in this food drive – whether it’s by donating, telling a few neighbors, or offering a ride to drop off donations,” noted Hanna-Powers. “We love partnering with VEAP because their services directly benefit our community in Richfield, and they are a familiar resource to many.”

Located at 9600 Aldrich Avenue in Bloomington, VEAP serves residents of Richfield, Bloomington, Edina and South Minneapolis, who are in need of assistance. The organization offers a food pantry, transportation help and social services to assist people with housing needs, financial assistance or case management. Contact VEAP at (952) 888-9616 for more information about their services

 

While the food drive is looking to collect all types of non-perishable food items, the VEAP food pantry is specifically focused on collecting the following items this December:

• Whole grain rice (1–2-pound bags)
• Whole grain pasta
• Hearty soups (high protein, low sodium)
• Whole grain cereal (like Shredded Wheat, Kashi, bran cereals, Chex, etc.)
• Canned proteins (meat and beans)
• Canned fruit and vegetables
• Toilet paper
• Paper towels
• Diapers (size 5-7) and baby wipes
• Cooking oil
• Coffee
• Baking essentials (flour, sugar, spices, baking soda/powder)
• Laundry detergent
• Dish soap
• Personal care items (shampoo, toothpaste, hand soap, shaving cream, toiletries, etc.)
• Gluten-free products (whole grains like brown rice, wild rice, quinoa, cornmeal; nut flours and butters; rice crackers, GF snacks, etc. Check for gluten-free product label.)
• Birthday candles, cake frosting, birthday-themed napkins/plates, cake mix, small birthday party favors like chalk, bubbles or bags of balloons
• Dog and cat food (particularly wet food, treats, litter, etc.)
• Paper bags and re-usable, cloth totes (We’ll always take your extra paper grocery bags. We are not accepting plastic bag or totes donations).

 

To participate, residents should purchase any non-perishable foods, or items listed above, and drop them off at one of the drop-off sites throughout the city. Donation sites will have containers, labeled for VEAP donations, prominently located. 

 

Currently, donations can be dropped off at:

• Richfield Community Center: 7000 Nicollet Ave
• Wood Lake Nature Center: 6710 Lake Shore Drive
• Richfield Municipal Center: 6700 Portland Ave
• Cedar Ave Liquor store: 6600 Cedar Ave
• Lyndale Ave Liquor store: 6444 Lyndale Ave
• Penn Ave Liquor store: 6444 Penn Ave
• Wine & Spirits Liquor store: 7700 Lyndale Ave
• Sota Boys Smoke Shop: 7610 Lyndale Ave
• Private Residence: 6632 Morgan Ave
• Private Residence: 7221 10th Ave

 

“With drop-off sites located throughout Richfield, we hope everyone will make an effort to give this December, even if it is only with one item,” encouraged Hanna-Powers. “That donation will still support your neighbors - and the Richfield community - this holiday season.” 

More information about the VEAP Community Food Drive can be found at: www.richfieldmn.gov/fooddrive .