The Food Market in Faribault

From Rev. Carrie Chatelaine of First English Lutheran Church, Faribault

A new food shelf opened in Faribault, MN, and three ELCA churches – Christ, First English, and Our Savior’s - teamed up to apply for the SEMN Synod Food Ministry Grant. The congregations matched the grant funds, and then presented a check to the Community Action Center (CAC) of Faribault for use in their new Food Market. Representatives from these congregations also helped to package meal kits for use in the mobile food truck operated by the CAC of Faribault.

The Food Market is an important presence in a diverse community. The CAC of Faribault has been in close communication with the Latinx or Hispanic communities and Somali communities of Faribault, and members of these communities are participating at all levels of the development and implementation of the Food Market. 

The Food Market has been designed in ways to respect the clients and their needs. Cheryl Wendt, the Food Access Program Manager for the Community Action Center of Faribault said, “We often get asked ‘How do I qualify?’ or ‘How many of this can I take?’ We are really trying to allow families to take what they need and break down the barriers to accessing food. The look of relief while they shop for their families’ needs is a welcomed sight!”