Admit it, your first image of a food shelf doesn’t really look like the above picture, does it? Food shelves have been working hard to get healthier foods into their clients’ kitchens. The trend has been towards more fresh produce and less processed foods. Of course, many non-perishable staples are well, still staples of the food shelf. But with focused effort the fresh options have increased dramatically.
WBAEFS Staff at the 2016 Community Roots Garden Party
Andréa Kish-Bailey (just left of the bear)Executive Director of the White Bear Area Emergency Food Shelf (WBAEFS) states as a central goal of the organization to “Increase access to healthy food to our neighbors.” And they’ve been doing just that since Andrea came on board two years ago.
Partnering with generous groups and companies like Bear Power, Costa’s Greenhouse and Farm , Heinel Farms, Tamarak Nature Center, and the Vadnais Heights Farmers Market has made a big difference in the kind of food available. Healthier food offerings coupled with the promotion of healthy eating practices are making a difference in our neighbors’ overall health.
Neighborhood Hub
Even before you walk in the doors of this food shelf, you’re greeted with one of the town’s signature white bear statues, so it feels more like a neighbor’s home than a Food Shelf. The genuine smiles from volunteers welcomed visitors at the front desk. When I visited, there were neighbors waiting to shop at their appointed time, all chatting it up together.
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