Other Support
At CAER, we do more than provide groceries. We’re here to support our neighbors in meaningful, practical ways. In addition to offering healthy food at no cost, we also offer other programs and resources to help meet everyday needs.
Emergency Financial Assistance
Life can change quickly. A job loss, medical emergency, or unexpected expense can make it difficult to keep up with bills. Some households may not qualify for government assistance yet still face financial strain. Emergency financial assistance from CAER helps prevent a temporary crisis from turning into something more serious, offering support with rent or utilities when it's needed most.
Seasonal Support
Throughout the year, we offer programs to help with essential needs that arise seasonally. Upcoming this winter, we will have winter coats and other warm weather gear available for those who are visiting the food shelf.
Check with the receptionist at your next food shelf appointment to learn more.
Additional Community Resources
If we are unable to provide help or information directly, there is likely someone in the area who can. We’re here to support you with care, compassion, and respect.
Additional Food Support
Local resources for other food programs:
- Fare For All. This nonprofit discount grocery program is open to everyone.
- Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program. Serving Sherburne County and Wright County, this supplemental food program provides nutrition assessment and education, healthcare referrals, and more to new and expectant mothers, babies, and children.
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). SNAP helps individuals and families get the food they need using an EBT card to buy groceries at most stores.
- Market Bucks. Get more fresh, healthy food with Market Bucks, which triple your SNAP/EBT at participating farmers markets.
- Summer EBT. This food support program provides families with funds to buy food for eligible school-age children during the summer months.
- Second Harvest Heartland Care Center. Get help finding additional food resources over the phone, text or online. Call or text to find food 866-844-3663
Financial Resources
- Minnesota Benefits apply for assistance online, or check with your County Health and Human Services department.
- Foreclose Prevention—Minnesota Homeownership Center works for free with homeowners and mortgage lenders to develop payment solutions and avoid foreclosure.
- Family Assets for Independence in Minnesota (FAIM) through Tri-CAP is a matched savings program that helps low-wage earners in Benton, Sherburne, and Stearns counties build assets and achieve their financial goals.
- Tri-CAP Energy Assistance Program helps eligible households in Benton, Stearns, Sherburne, and Morrison counties with home energy costs.
- WCCA Energy Assistance Program provides utility bill support to income-eligible households in Wright County.
- Mid Minnesota Legal Aid offers no-cost civil legal assistance to low-income earners and anyone 60 or older living with a disability.
Transportation Resources
For those without a vehicle, there are local organizations that offer low-cost or no-cost transportation in and around the community.
- Tri-CAP Transportation offers bus service to the public, with no age or income requirements.
- Faith in Action provides seniors with transportation to medical appointments, grocery stores, and more.
- Loving Hands is a woman-owned, non-emergency medical transportation service.
Other Area Food Shelves
Many other local communities have food shelf programs available to help alleviate hunger.
- Big Lake Community Food Shelf serving the Big Lake community.
- Hanover Area Food Shelf serves Albertville, St. Michael, Hanover, and parts of Loretto and Corcoran.
- Monticello Help Center serves the Monticello community.
- Passing the Bread offers monthly food distribution in Zimmerman and Princeton.
- Wright County Community Action serves all Wright County residents.
- ACBC Food Shelf serves Anoka, Andover, Champlin, Coon Rapids, Nowthen, and Ramsey.
- CROSS Services serves Rogers, Dayton, Corcoran, Hassan, Maple Grove, and Champlin.
- Second Harvest Heartland Care Center. Get help finding additional food resources over the phone, text or online. Call or text to find food 866-844-3663
Pet Care Resources
Pets can be part of the family, but pet care can be expensive. If you need help, Ruff Start Rescue has a list of resources for your pet care needs.
Other Resources
Family Resource Center support for families, located in Elk River at Main Street Family Services with a location in Big Lake
Great River Faith in Action support for seniors in Sherburne County and some of Wright County
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