ABOUT THE FOOD SHELF
2025 marks 43 years of service to Bemidji and surrounding communities. From a small store front in downtown Bemidji with a few dedicated volunteers we have grown to serve thousands of people. During 2024, we experienced a 12 % increase of people seeking help - 13,000 families consisting of 42,000 people received 1 million lbs. of food support. Also included in the numbers of families needing help, 850 families came to the food shelf for the first time, ever.
We also rely on over 300 volunteers who give their time and energy to distribute food to our friends and neighbors. Without them we would not be able to operate. We welcome anyone wanting to help, there are many jobs to fit any ability.
Call 218-444-6580 to talk to our Volunteer Coordinator for more information on how you can join us.
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And finally, the Donors who have supported us over the past 40 years have been remarkable in their generosity. We purchase 2/3 of the food we distribute, their support is critical to meeting the needs of our clients.
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Thank you to all of you. The Bemidji Community Food Shelf is here because of you.
OUR STAFF


Michael Olson
Executive Director
bcfs@paulbunyan.net
Serena Hall
Volunteer Coordinator
bcfsvolunteer@gmailcom


Conan Cunningham
Operations

Tim Hawkings
Mobile Food Shelf
Farm Manager

Tim Hawkins Farm Manager
OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
John Reff, President
Heidi Adamson-Bear
​Vice President
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Deborah Pfaff, Treasurer
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Linday Little, Secretary
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Len Ochowicz, Director
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Derek Stout, Director
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Jim Hodgson, Director
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Janet Berg, Director
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Gloria Collyard, Director
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Jim Fretheim, Past President
(non voting)
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