Food Resources List SE Minnesota
(List compiled November 2025 from websites maintained by and phone calls to the listed resources. Thank you to Amanda Lipsky, MN50501-Rochester, for compiling the list, and special thanks to Yammy Bear and Family, Senator Liz Boldon, The Rochester Public Library, Rochester Public Schools, and Three Rivers Community Action whose resource lists served as a starting point for finding this information. Please verify the information is still correct at the time you access this information. See anything missing or in need of correction? Contact resist@MN50501Rochester.org)
General Resources
Food Banks and Community Meals (Rochester)
Food Banks and Community Meals (SE Minnesota)
Senior-specific Resources (Rochester and SE Minnesota)
Student-specific Resources (Rochester)
Homeless-specific Resources (Rochester)
Little Free Pantries (Rochester)
Little Free Pet Pantries 🐾 (Rochester)
General Resources
2-1-1 via United Way
Dial 211 or 1-800-543-7709
Call or visit website for a large number of food and caregiver resources.
Social Worker Hours at the Rochester Public Library
https://rochesterpubliclibrary.librarymarket.com/event/social-worker-hours-209
(507) 328-2300 Library
(507) 328-6325 GPS Social Worker
A GPS Social Worker is available at the library to connect you to local resources for housing, food, employment, health, safety and other community services. Stop by at the Community Corner on the 2nd Floor of the library. See website for dates/times.
WIC (Women Infants and Children)
(507) 328-7555
WIC (Women Infants and Children) serves families with infants and children up to age five and pregnant and postpartum people. All families are welcome at WIC, including dads, grandparents, foster parents, and working families.
Monday – Thursday 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Hunger Solutions Minnesota Help Line
(888) 711-1151
To Donate: https://thefoodgroupmn.thankyou4caring.org/donate-now
Contact the helpline for assistance in finding local food resources. The website maintains a map of resources statewide.
Food Banks and Community Meals Rochester
(Alphabetical by resource name)
Channel One
(507) 287-2350
507.424.1720 Grocery delivery phone number. Delivers to Rochester, Stewartville, and Byron.
To Donate: https://www.helpingfeedpeople.org/donate/
Channel One Food Shelf offers several ways to find food assistance. Visit the website for food shelf, grocery delivery, and Commodity Supplemental Food Program information. A detailed map of food shelves throughout southeast Minnesota is available at the bottom of the web page.
Food Shelf Hours: Mon – Thurs: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., Friday: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m., Sat and Sun: Closed
Registration required. Shoppers (or their proxies) are welcome to visit the food shelf once every week.
Christ United Methodist Church Saturday Noon Meals
(507) 398-2686
To Volunteer: 507-398-2686 or Kathryn.lombardo@gmail.com
Every Saturday at noon we provide hot meals for those in need in our community.The Saturday Noon Meals (SNMs) program began in 1994 and has been providing a warm meal to individuals each Saturday for the past 30 years.
Community Food Response
651-789-2449
120 1st St NE (Corner of 1st St, NE and Civic Center Dr, NE)
To Volunteer: https://www.communityfoodresponse.org/volunteer/
Hours of Operation: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 4pm to 6pm.
Closed on New Year’s Day, MLK Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, the Friday after Thanksgiving and Christmas Day
No proof of eligibility is required to receive food. All who need food are welcome.
Evangel United Methodist Church Wednesday Meals
(507) 289-4817
To Donate: call 507-289-4817
Every Wednesday night, Community Missions prepares a meal that is open to anyone that would like to attend. The meals are offered from 4:45PM - 6:30PM.
The Exchange
(612) 735-5238 or (612) 735-5238
To volunteer: Food prep 3-5 Thursdays and 11am Sundays or call numbers above.
Thursday evening community meals 5pm, with take-home boxes. Sunday noon brunch. Mondays and Thursdays 10am -1pm community cafe with coffee and light breakfast foods..
Gloria Dei Lutheran Food Shelf
(507) 289-1841
To Donate: Please use the drop-off location in the office hallway between Door 1 and the Looking Within Center
We work to make access to food easier for our neighbors by making it available on our own property at our Little Pantry. 1212 12th Ave. NW, Rochester. All are welcome.
The outdoor version of our pantry is off the main street so people can access it safely and anonymously. It gets emptied almost daily so we restock it constantly.
The indoor version of our pantry is just inside our main office door and can keep a lot of foods that may not be able to be stored outside in heat and cold, such as liquids and fresh fruit. We restock the indoor one frequently as well.
Hosanna Food Ministries (Hosanna's Pantry and Helping Hands Pantry)
(507) 285-009
Hosanna’s Pantry is open on the 4th Saturday of each month (the 3rd Saturday in Nov. and Dec.) from 9 – 11 am.
The Helping Hands Pantry is located outside of Hosanna and is filled with food, toiletries and other necessities on a regular basis. Anyone may stop by and take what they need or drop off items that others may be able to use. Donations may also be dropped off in Hosanna’s main office.
LifeGate Services
(507) 206-3174
To Donate: https://lifegateservices.org/donate/
To Volunteer: https://lifegateservices.org/get-involved/
1st and 3rd Saturday of the month. 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon.
African and Hispanic cultural foods are included in the food served at our Food Shelf.
Also, Bridges Health of Winona State University offers FREE health assessments call 507-457-2891 for an appointment. Follow on Facebook at Lifegate Services for updated details.
Oasis Church Supermarket Saturdays
(507) 289-8596
To Volunteer: If you have questions, or would like to volunteer to distribute food, please contact the Oasis office (507-289-8596).
On the third Saturday of every month we distribute a warm meal and food to those in need!
Super Market Saturday takes place in our fellowship hall here at Oasis Church from 10AM-11:30 AM.
Open Table Food Truck
(507) 288-2649
To Volunteer: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f044bafae2aa1fc1-open
To Donate: Amazon Wishlist https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/S3KUZV1VN19V/ref=hz_ls_biz_ex
All are welcome. No registration required. Anyone who desires a free meal is welcome.
Summer Locations (June-Oct.):
Click HERE for Summer Map
5:00 – 5:45 PM Parkside Park
6:00 – 6:30 PM Eastridge Estates
Winter Locations (Nov.-May):
Click HERE for Winter Map
5:00PM Oak Terrace mailboxes
5:30PM Parkside mailboxes
6:00PM Eastridge Estates
Peace United Church of Christ Tuesday Community Meals
https://facebook.com/events/s/-tuesday-community-meals-at-pe/1491228895558831/
(507) 282-6117
To Volunteer: https://www.peaceunited.us/volunteer
Each Tuesday, from 5pm to 7pm we open our doors to provide an opportunity to get to know our neighbors by hosting a warm meal and offering fellowship to all. The meal is free of charge (donations gratefully accepted) and open to everyone.
Rochester Community Church
(507) 289-7491
To Volunteer: call # above
Rochester Community Church is a partner agency with Channel One Food Bank. We provide food to people meeting the TEFAP eligibility requirements. The food shelf is open the second Saturday of every month from 9-11:30 AM.
Ruby's Pantry Rochester
To Volunteer: https://www.rubyspantry.org/become-volunteer
2nd Saturday of the Month
Registration begins at 9:00 AM, Food bundles available 9:00-10:30 AM
For a $25 per bundle cash donation the day of the distribution, you will receive an abundance of groceries. There is no income or residency requirements and everyone is welcome to attend.
Salvation Army Food Shelf
https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/northern/Rochester/cure-hunger/
(507) 288-3663
To Donate: call (507) 288-3663
Food Shelf: The food shelf is open from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays. Households are able to visit twice a month.
Lunch Program: A free lunch is served Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Social Services Center at 115 First Avenue NE. All are welcome.
Bread Pantry: Our guests are welcome to take free bread from our free bread pantry located at 115 First Avenue NE. Baked goods are collected from Hy-Vee Crossroads and Peoples' Food Coop to stock our shelf at 8 a.m. Monday through Friday.
St. Francis of Assisi Sunday Lunch Program and Resource Room
(507) 288-7313
To Volunteer in the Resource Room call or email francis@stfrancis-church.org
The Sunday Lunch Program is a weekly, noon meal sponsored by the six Rochester Catholic Parishes and provided at no cost to any needy person in the Rochester Community. The meal is served at St. Francis of Assisi church.
The Resource Room at St Francis of Assisi parish is designed to assist people who are in need of household and personal care items. Wednesday afternoons between 1PM and 2:30PM.
Zumbro Lutheran Church Food Pantry
(507) 288-2649
To Donate/Volunteer: https://zumbro.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2580865
The outdoor mini pantry is located on the SW corner the building. It is a take what you need, leave what you can free gift of food to our neighbors.
125 Live Community Center Pantry
(507) 287.1404
Located in the Lower Level
Hours the Food Pantry is open:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday | 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm, Saturday | 11:30 – 12:30 pm
CLOSED | Wednesday & Sunday
No income requirements. Photo ID required.
One bag of food per household.
Open to all Members and the public, targeting older adults
Southeast MN Food Banks & Community Meals
(Alphabetical by city/town name)
Byron Food Pantry & Community Closet
https://bce.bears.byron.k12.mn.us/about-us/community-ed-at-a-glance/food-pantry-community-closet
(507) 775-2336
Byron Community Education Center (630 1st Ave NW, Byron, MN 55920)
To Donate: https://byron.cr3.rschooltoday.com/public/costoption/class_id/4833
Regular Shopping Hours (no appt needed during these times)
Mondays: 9-10:30 am, Wednesdays: 9-11 am, Thursdays: Noon-2 pm, First Friday of the Month: 6-8 pm
Individuals who are residents of Byron or have students enrolled at Byron Public Schools can schedule an appointment to shop during regular CEC hours (8 am-3 pm on school days). Shoppers need to register when requesting an appointment time.
Schedule your shopping appointment using the Google form below
Cannon Falls Food Shelf
(507) 819-0236
To Volunteer or Donate: call or email cannonfallsfoodshelf70@gmail.com
Open Thursdays 3:00 to 5:45 Closed Thanksgiving Day.
Little Free Pantry Cannon Falls
Cannon Falls Library (306 Mill Street W., Cannon Falls, MN 55009)
Chatfield Community Food Shelf
https://www.facebook.com/p/Chatfield-Community-Food-Shelf-100068255115006
(507) 867-3529
To Volunteer or Donate: call or email chatfieldfoodshelf@gmail.com
Anyone who comes to the door receives help. There is no need for an id or verification of 'need'.
The food shelf is open Tuesdays from 5:30-7:00 PM and Friday from 9:00-10:30 AM.
Plainview-Elgin Area Food Shelf
(507) 876-0112
To Donate: Drop off food on Wednesdays from 10-5
Open Wednesdays from 10am to 5pm
Front & Center Eyota Food Shelf
(507) 405-5653
Front and Center, Inc., 111 Center Ave S, Eyota, MN
To Donate: Non-perishable donations may be dropped off any time at Eyota Food Pantry and Thrift Store in the storage benches in front of the building. Perishables may be dropped off during open hours. For large quantities, please call 507-405-5653 to arrange delivery.
You may visit the food shelf one time per week, register at the food shelf.
Wednesday - Garden Party, 10 am-11 am and 7:30 pm-8:30 pm, fresh produce donations taken (summer months only)
Thursday - 3 pm - 6 pm - Open
Friday - 2 pm-3 pm - Golden Hour: Open for Senior Neighbors
Friday - 3 pm - 5 pm - Open
Saturday - 10 am - 4 pm - Open
Hayfield Community Food Pantry
(507) 477-2255
To Donate: https://www.4giving.com/8E09 or see website for most needed food items
The Hayfield Community Food Pantry is open on Wednesdays from 4-6:00 pm.
If questions, you may email the Food Pantry at hayfieldcommunityfoodpantry@gmail.com
Kasson food support from Rochester Outreach Center
Kasson Church of Christ 901 8th Ave. NW, Kasson, MN
(507) 226-8193
To Volunteer: dale@therocmn.org
2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month at noon, available to anyone with a self-professed need
SEMCAC Kasson Food Shelf
(507) 634-4350
To Donate: https://www.semcac.org/donate/
Tuesday & Thursday: 8:00am – 12:30pm and 1:30 – 4:00pm
The household income should be at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level. However, emergency food is available to any household experiencing a food crisis, regardless of household income.
Little Free Pantry at St. John’s Lutheran Kasson
To Donate: Drop off food in the pantry
Le Roy Area Food Shelf
(507) 440-3942
To Donate: leroyfoodshelf@gmail.com email to learn more
Check Facebook page for regularly updated hours and available resources
Little Free Pantry Mazeppa
lindasiewert@yahoo.com
To Donate: drop off food inside the pantry or contact email above and mail to 348 Chestnut street NE Mazeppa Minnesota 55956
Free Food for people in need! Canned goods, boxed/packaged foods (At times there is also shampoos, misc. personal items)
Oronoco Food Shelf
Presbyterian Church of Oronoco, 20 3rd ST SW, Oronoco MN 55960
2nd & 4th Wednesdays, 5-6:30pm
Pine Island Sharing Shelves
(507) 722-1331
To Donate: Mail monetary donations to P.O. Box 145 Pine Island, MN 55963-0145 or drop off Non-perishable food or monetary donations at the food shelf location: 611 North Main Street, Pine Island, MN 55963-0145, during operation hours.
OPEN EVERY WEDNESDAY 9 - 11 AM, EVERY 2nd AND 4th TUESDAY 5:30 - 7 PM
Little Free Pantry Pine Island
To Donate: contact email above and mail to 830 8TH AVE SW, Pine Island MN 55963
A community-supported pantry open to all — take what you need, leave what you can. Stocked with non-perishable food, toiletries, and household essentials. No judgment, no barriers — just neighbors helping neighbors.
SEMCAC Preston Food Shelf
(507) 765-2761
515 Washington NW (lower level), Preston, MN
Tuesday 9:00am – 12pm and 1:00 – 6:00pm
Thursday 9:00am – 12pm and 1:00 – 4:00pm
Rushford Food Shelf
(507) 864-8224
Tuesday & Thursday 9:00 – 11:30am and 12:30 – 4:00pm
Spring Valley Food Shelf
(507) 271-2104
To Donate: drop off donations at the following places:
Foodshelf during normal business hours
Our Savior's Lutheran Church
Spring Valley City Hall
Hours: Wednesdays 2-4 pm, Saturdays 9-11 am
Spring Valley, Golden Twin Food Shelf/ Little Free Pantry
To Donate: drop off food in the pantry or contact email above and mail to 528 Hillcrest Dr Spring Valley MN 55975
We have food and basic toilet items
Also, a snack for kids as it is located 1 block from the school for the kids to grab and go
Hometown Resource Center (St. Charles Food Shelf)
(507) 932-8056
To Donate: Non-perishable food and personal care donations may be dropped off during open hours.
To Volunteer: https://hometownrc.org/volunteer/
Food Shelf Open Hours: Thursday – 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Ruby's Pantry St. Charles
Brookwood Park - St. Charles, 272 West 1st Street, Saint Charles, MN
To Volunteer: https://www.rubyspantry.org/become-volunteer
2nd Thursday of the Month
Registration begins at 4:00 PM
Food bundles available 4:00-5:30 PM
Wykoff: St. John’s Food Shelf
(507) 352-2296 or 507-352-4555
To Donate: Use donations link at website above
The St. Johns Lutheran Food Shelf operates the 3rd Saturday of each month from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
The shelf is open to everyone.
Zumbrota Area Emergency Food Shelf
(507) 732-7330
Donations: Donations of food items can be scheduled by calling 507-732-7330 (message line for the food shelf.) Monetary Donations: Checks can be mailed to: Attn: Tom Steger, Treasurer PO Box 43 Zumbrota, MN 55992 Donating Time: Individuals or groups are welcome to volunteer their time and talents in support of the Food Shelf efforts. If interested, please call Jan Horsman at 507-732-7330.
Hours:
1st & 3rd Mondays, 2 PM-3:30 PM
3rd Wednesday, 10 AM - 11:30 AM
2nd & 4th Thursdays, 7 PM - 8 PM
If you cannot come in person, delivery may be available
Ruby's Pantry Zumbrota
(651) 674-0009
Our Savior's Lutheran Church 1549 East Avenue, Zumbrota, Minnesota
To Volunteer: https://www.rubyspantry.org/become-volunteer
2nd Saturday of the Month
Registration begins at 9:00 AM
Food bundles available 9:00-10:30 AM
Zumbro Valley Food Shelf
(507) 259-1442
To Donate: Donations will be accepted on Tuesdays from 11am to 5pm and on Thursdays from 11am to 6pm. Nonperishable donations of any kind are encouraged as well as financial donations of any amount.
Hours: Tuesdays 11-5 and Thursdays 11-6.
We now offer curbside service as well! Shopping lists are located by the outside door- once it is filled out, honk when ready and a volunteer will come and retrieve the list, fill out the order, and bring it out.
Senior Specific Resources (Rochester and SE Minnesota)
Semcac Senior Dining
(507) 864-7741
To Donate: https://www.semcac.org/donate/
More than 35 dining sites across 11 southeastern Minnesota counties: Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Rice, Steele, Wabasha and Winona.
See website for full list of updated locations, hours, and phone numbers. Anyone over age 60 is welcome. Call the day before to make a reservation.
Meals on Wheels
(507) 287-2010
Meals on Wheels provides home delivered, dietetically correct, hot, nutritious meals to Rochester seniors.
Family Service Rochester Senior Cafe and Byron Senior Cafe
(507) 287-2010
To Volunteer: https://familyservicerochester.galaxydigital.com/
Tuesday at 11:30 at our south building location 1625 Highway 14 East in Rochester.
Wednesdays in Byron at noon at the Community Education Building, 630 1st Ave NW.
To participate, please call at 507-287-2010 any time before 2:00pm the day before you want a meal. Diabetic dessert options are available. Meals are prepared without sodium. $4 per meal $3.50 per meal for persons 60+ with purchase of a 5-meal punch card.
Student-specific Resources
RCTC Hive Supply
https://www.rctc.edu/services/student-affairs/basic-needs/hivesupply/
(507) 285-7557
CC409 on Main Campus
Monday through Friday: 8:00AM-4:30PM
H1434E at the Heintz Center
Monday through Thursday: 11:00AM-3:00PM
To Donate: Donations are always welcome! Non-perishable food and personal hygiene items may be donated directly to either Hive Supply location. Or donate online https://www.givemn.org/organization/Rctc-Foundation
The Hive Supply is our on-campus food shelf, created to support students with free access to groceries, hygiene items, and household essentials.
You may visit once per week and collect a maximum of 15 items per visit. Be sure to bring your Stinger ID!
Homeless-specific Resources
The Landing
(507) 884-0423
To Volunteer: https://www.thelandingmn.org/volunteer
To Donate: https://thelandingmn.networkforgood.com/projects/125257-main-giving-page
The Landing MN Day Center acts as a soft place to land for those experiencing homelessness in Rochester, Minnesota.
Guests have access to our cafe throughout the day for breakfast / lunch / snacks, and are served a hot meal each day during dinner service.
Little Free Pantries Rochester
https://www.littlefreepantry.org/
The mini pantry movement activates neighbor engagement with food insecurity, a grassroots, crowdsourced solution to immediate and local need. Take what you need, give what you can.
To donate to any Little Free Pantry go to the address and place food inside the pantry box. Remember: This is Minnesota. The boxes are not temperature controlled. In winter things freeze; in summer things bake. Only donate items that can withstand freezing in winter and can withstand heat in summer.
For surrounding area little free pantries see: Southeast MN Food Banks & Community Meals.
Northwest
Affinity Plus Pantry - 3482 55th St NW, Rochester, MN 55901
Family Promise Rochester - 913 1st St. NW, Rochester, MN 55901
Forager Little Free Pantry - 1005 6th St. NW, Rochester MN 55901
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church Little Pantry - 1212 12th Ave. NW, Rochester MN 55901
Hosanna Lutheran Church Helping Hands Pantry - 2815 57th St. NW, Rochester MN 55901
Southwest
Christ United Methodist - 400 5th Ave. SW, Rochester 55902
People of Hope - 3703 Country Club Road SW, Rochester 55902
Zumbro Lutheran Church Mini Pantry - 624 3rd Ave. SW, Rochester 55902
Southeast
Hope Summit Christian Church - 1315 6th Ave. SE, Rochester 55904
Next Chapter Ministries - 720 3rd Ave. SE, Rochester 55904
Redeemer Lutheran Church Little Free Pantry - 869 7th Ave. SE, Rochester 55904
Recovery is Happening (north Broadway) - 25 16th St NE, Rochester MN 55906
Peace United - 1503 2nd Ave. NE, Rochester 55906
Little Free Pet Pantries in the Rochester, Minnesota Area
These work like little free pantries but are specifically for pet food. To donate, buy some pet food and add to the boxes.
Hawthorne Education Center - 700 4th Ave. SW, Rochester
Paws and Claws (in back) - 3224 19th Street. NW, Rochester