2023 marks 41 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 2022, 9,600 families  consisting of 28,000 people received 595,000 lbs of food.  In those families we know nearly 10,000 were children ( a 40 percent increase over 2021), and 6,000 were seniors – the fastest growing segment of food insecure in the State of Minnesota. 

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 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.