Carver County & Minnesota Food Assistance
Food Assistance Resource List
This flyer lists out the various food assistance programs in Carver County (English and Spanish).
Food Assistance Map
Use this map to find food assistance programs in Carver County.
Minnesota Food Help Line
The Minnesota Food Help Line: The Minnesota Food HelpLine assesses the caller’s situation and provides solutions to their food needs. Call the Minnesota Food HelpLine to see if you qualify for SNAP (formerly known as Food Stamps) or to learn more about food shelves, free meals, farmers’ markets, or other resources in your area. Contact them via this form or by calling 1-888-1151.
Food Shelves & Discounted Groceries
Food Shelves In And Near Carver County
Food Shelves in and near Carver County provide food and basic needs to individuals and families living on little. Food shelves must serve everyone on their first visit, but they may refer you to a food shelf closer to where you live after the first visit. If it’s more convenient for you to use a certain location, you are encouraged to talk to food shelf staff or volunteers. Following is a list of organizations that partner with families in Carver County. Hours vary by organization and are listed here.
- Location: 1600 Bavaria Road, Chaska
- Call to make an appointment: (952) 556-0244
- Website: www.bountifulbasketfoodshelf.org
- Shop for free groceries twice per month
- Optional delivery program: Food delivered, at no charge by Southwest Transit twice a month, for individuals who are unable to come into the food shelf. Call 952-556-0244 to determine if you are eligible for this delivery program and/or if there is space available. Depending on demand, there might be a waiting list
- Location: 102 Lake St. W., Cologne
- Call to make an appointment: (952) 988-2802
- Website: www.bountifulbasketfoodshelf.org
- Shop for free groceries twice per month
- Location: 11 South Elm Street, Waconia
- Contact: (952) 442-3878
- Website: www.gatherandgrowmn.org
- New shoppers must register for an appointment here
- Shop for food, personal care items, and basic household items twice per month
- The Connection Center also offers nutrition classes, budgeting services, and more.
- Location: 309 Lewis Ave So., Watertown (located in City Hall)
- Contact: (952) 995-1980
- Website: www.gatherandgrowmn.org
- Place an online order or schedule an in-person shopping appointment here
- Shop for food, personal care items, and basic household items once per month
- Location: 1053 Jefferson St. S., Shakopee
- Contact: (952) 245-0697
- Website: www.micasamn.org/services/
- Make an appointment here
- Shop for free groceries with a good selection of Hispanic staple foods
- Location: 14700 Martin Drive, Eden Prairie
- Call to make an appointment: (952) 937-9120
- Website: www.propfood.org
- Shop for free groceries
- Also offers many wrap around services such as employment assistance, financial mentoring, nutritional coaching, and enrichment programs for youth and seniors.
- Location: 10 First Avenue NE, Norwood Young America
- Contact: (952) 467-1870
- Website: www.southwestcarvercountyfoodshelf.com
- Call to schedule an appointment to shop for free groceries
- Location: Grace Family Center: 2443 Commerce Blvd, Mound
- Contact: (952) 472-5599
- Website: www.westonkafoodshelf.wixsite.com/westonkafoodshelf
- Call to schedule an appointment to shop for free groceries
- Location: 115 E 4th St, Chaska, MN 55318
- The pantry is self-serve and no personal information is needed to get food.
- Open 24 hours.
Discounted Groceries
Fare for All is a pop-up grocery store selling packs of fresh produce and frozen meat at up to 40% off of retail prices. There are no qualifications to participate and no pre-registration needed. SNAP/EBT, credit, debit, and cash are accepted methods of payment. They use a co-op model, so the more people who shop the better.
Find dates and sites throughout the metro here.
Free Food Distributions
The CAP Agency hosts Free Food Distributions twice a month in Carver County: typically the second Wednesday of the month at the Norwood Young America City Hall from 12:00-1:00pm and the third Thursday of the month at 2100 Stoughton Ave, Chaska from 11:30-12:30pm. These events are open to anyone, are drive-thru and contact-free, and people can pick up for multiple households. Food offered includes a variety of dairy products, meat, produce, bread, and dry goods. Find details about upcoming distributions in NYA here and in Chaska distribution here.
Free food distribution on the second Wednesday of the month at the Norwood Young America City Hall, 310 Elm St W, Norwood Young America, from 12:00-1:00pm.
Free food distribution on the third Thursday of the month at 2100 Stoughton Ave, Chaska from 11:30am-12:30pm.
Organizations
His House Foundation rescues food items, including prepared food, and redistributes it to people in need. This connection assists people in need and minimizes food waste. They provide services with no limits, no judgments and no boundaries. The type of food varies daily and includes a variety of prepared items and fresh foods. Other services include housing stabilization services (coordinated-entry) and a resource center with household goods, clothing, furniture, and other items.
The Humanity Alliance provides meals for individuals and families. Their Weekend Meal Delivery program provides a weekend’s worth of freshly made, nutritious meals. The meals are delivered each Friday right to your door. The meal-kit includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks for Friday night through Monday morning. Choose your delivery size based on the number of people in your household. Meals are provided at no cost, and donations are accepted.
For Seniors
Meals on Wheels, available through the Community Action Partnership of Carver-Scott-Dakota Counties (CAP Agency) provides home delivered meals to adults ages 60+. The suggested donation is $5 per meal, but no one will be denied service if unable to pay. For more information, call (952) 402-9855 or seniornutrition@capagency.org for more information or to sign up.
Transportation or Mobility Barriers
- SW Prime provides on-demand rides for residents of Chaska, Chanhassen, Carver and Victoria through SouthWest Transit. Financial assistance is available. Call 952-797-7463 or visit their website.
- SmartLink is a dial-a-ride service provider for all Carver County residents. Call 952-496-8341 to schedule a ride.
- WeCAB provides safe, reliable, and flexible supplemental transportation for those in Carver County’s service areas. Call 1-844-743-3932 to schedule or learn more.
Increase Your Monthly Food Budget with SNAP/EBT, WIC & More
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
The SNAP (food support) program is a county-run, federal program that helps low-income Minnesotans get the food they need for sound nutrition and well-balanced meals. The program issues electronic SNAP benefits that can help stretch your food budget. It is not intended to meet all of your food budget needs.
The amount of SNAP benefits your household can get is based on the income, expenses and the number of people in your household.
Minnesota Food Assistance Program (MFAP)
The Minnesota Food Assistance Program (MFAP) is a county-administered, state funded program that assists people and families with low incomes to purchase food to better meet their nutritional needs. MFAP is provided to non-citizens who do not receive benefits from the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP), who do not qualify for federally funded Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) due to citizenship requirements, and who are age 50 or older.
How to Apply
- Apply in person: Carver County residents can apply in-person at 602 E 4th St., Chaska, MN 55318. Applications can be submitted Monday through Friday, 8:00AM to 4:30PM.
- Apply online: MNbenefits.mn.gov is a simple, secure web applications that connects you with state and county services to help meet you and your family’s basic needs. Use MNbenefits.org to apply for cash assistance, SNAP benefits, childcare assistance, and emergency assistance.
- Print an application: Carver County residents can mail or drop off an application at 602 E 4th St., Chaska, MN 55318. These applications can also be faxed to 952-361-1600, emailed to cssfinancial@css.co.carver.mn.us, or placed in the drop box in the parking lot of our office.
- For application assistance: Contact the Community Action Partnership of Scott, Carver and Dakota Counties (CAP Agency) for assistance with completing the application.
- Carver County residents can find more information on how to apply here.
WIC Program: The Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) is a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) program that helps eligible pregnant women, new mothers, babies and children up to age 5 stay healthy. Caregivers, including dads, grandparents, foster parents of young children and working families can also apply. There is no cost to you for participating.
- WIC Provides:
- Nutrition education and counseling
- Access to healthy foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, milk, whole grains, infant foods, cereals and more
- Breastfeeding support
- Referrals to health and social services
- Information about other services
- Program Qualifications
- If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a child under age 5, you may qualify for WIC. You can view the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) income guidelines to see if you qualify.
- Caver County residents can call (952) 818-3728 to be screened over the phone or complete this screening form.
The Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) is a program that helps families transition into economic stability. The MFIP grant includes a cash and food portion. While on this program, parents are expected to work and also have to work with employment services. If parents do not meet the expectations of the program, then benefits may be reduced. MFIP has a 60 month lifetime limit, and only certain families can qualify for an extension. While you are participating in this program you may get child care assistance.
Legal non-citizens ages 50 or older who do not qualify for SNAP can receive state-funded food assistance through the Minnesota Food Assistance Program (MFAP). Learn more and apply here.
Free Meals
Monday Night Meal, located at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Chaska, provides a free meal most Mondays from 5:15-6:15pm. These homemade meals are available for pick up only. Meals vary each week and are always tasty. There are no qualifications to participate and no pre-registration needed. St. John’s is located a 300 E. 4th Street, Chaska, MN 55318.
The Chaska Moravian Church hosts a Free Community Meal every second Saturday of the month from 11:30am-1:30pm. The meal varies each month and is always delicious. All are welcome.
The Chaska Moravian Church is located at 115 E. 4th St., Chaska, MN 55318.
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church (Watertown) hosts a Barnabas (free meal) the first Thursday of the month at 5:30pm. St. Paul’s Lutheran Church is located at 505 Westminster Ave SW, Watertown.
FREE PRODUCE MARKET
- Summer program only
- Pick out food from a variety of options—fresh produce, dry goods, dairy products, and more
- No appointment needed
- Come as often as you want
- No personal information required
- Open to all families
- Food options vary each week
Community Gardens
Many communities offer community garden plots for a small rental fee. Planting a community garden plot allows residents to choose what foods they grow, teach children where food comes from, and participate in physical activity. Check your community’s website or contact your local city office to learn more.
- Carver Community Gardens
- Location: 109 Main St. E., Carver
- Contact: Call 952-448-5353
- Details: Raised beds (4’x8′) and planter boxes (4’x4′)
- Lyman Community Garden
- Location: 1801 Lyman Boulevard, Chanhassen
- Contact: Call 952-227-1100
Details: Generally 10’ x 10’ plots
- Louis Street Garden
- Location: West Louis Street, Cologne
- Contact: Lona Hendricks at 952-567-4561 or j.hendricks@gmail.com
- Details: The in-ground plots measure 10’ x 15’. The raised garden plots are around 3’ x 4’
- Norwood Young America Community Garden
- Location: 310 Elm St. W., NYA (City Hall)
- Contact: Call 952-467-1800
- Olson Community Garden
- Location: Corner of Kerber Boulevard and Santa Vera Drive, Chanhassen
- Contact: 952-227-1100
- Details: 10′ x 10′ plots
- Waconia Community Gardens
- Location: Various locations throughout the City
- Contact: Call 952-442-2165
- Watertown Community Garden
- Location: Off Lewis Avenue North, Watertown (near city’s compost site)
- Contact: Call 952-955-2681
- Details: 15′ x 20′ plots
- West Union Church Community Garden
- Location: 15820 Market Ave, Cologne
- Contact: Call 952-466-5678 to reserve a plot. Open to the public.
- Details: 15′ x 30′ plots
Farmers Markets
Farmers’ markets offer access to healthy and affordable foods grown locally. Farmers’ markets are a great place to find fresh fruits, vegetables and other foods the whole family will enjoy. Check back in spring 2025 for updated dates and times.
- Bongards Market (NYA):
- Wednesdays, June – September, 3-6pm
- Located at Alli B’s Coffee Shop & Boutique Parking Lot (640 Railroad Dr., NYA)
- Carver Community Market:
- Tuesdays, June – October, 3-6pm
- Located at Carver Station (607 Hartwell Dr., Carver)
- Chanhassen Farmers Market:
- Saturdays, June – September, 9am-1pm
- Located in City Center Park (7700 Market Blvd, Chanhassen)
- Chaska Community Market:
- Thursdays, June – September , 4-8pm
- Located at Firemen’s Park (3210 Chestnut Blvd, Chaska)
- Victoria’s Farmers Market:
- Thursdays, June – September, 3-6pm
- Located in the Enki Brewing Parking Lot (1495 Stieger Lake Lane, Victoria
Market Bucks for SNAP/EBT Recipients
SNAP, or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, is a federal food assistance program. Recipients of SNAP can double their SNAP/EBT purchases at participating farmers’ markets through the Market Bucks program. Spend $10 at the market on your EBT card and get $10 free every time you shop! Find participating locations here, including the Downtown Chaska Farmers Market and the Chanhassen Farmers Market.
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