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FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Can I visit your food market?
Yes, everyone is welcome! Appointments are required at our Wellstone Center market before shopping. No appointment is necessary at our Montreal Ave market. Please visit our Food Markets page for current hours.
What do I need to bring the first time I use the food market?
Just yourself! If you do have an ID card, please bring it to help staff during the intake process. However, we do not require identification.
What is the Food Market process?

We have two shopping models: appointment-based and walk-in. These models empower you to shop for the food you want. The Wellstone Center DOES require an appointment before shopping. The Montreal Avenue Food Center DOES NOT require an appointment. Please visit our Food Markets page for our current hours.

Appointment-based: our Wellstone Center Food Market offers an appointment-based model. At your appointment time, you will sign in at the food market desk, complete an intake to update our information, and get connected with holistic resources. You will then be able to shop in our food market and choose the food items you want (up to a certain limit based on household size). This system is first come, first served.

Walk-in: Our Neighborhood House on Montreal Food Market offers an in-person, shop for yourself/household shopping model, no appointments necessary. The Montreal Food Market operates on a first-come, first-served basis, up to 40 households per shift. You may need to wait in line. Shoppers are welcome to visit this food market 2 times per month – simply visit during shopping hours. First time visitors should plan for an additional 15 minutes for the intake process.

Do I need an appointment?
Appointments are required at our Wellstone Center Food Market. To make an appointment, please call 651-789-3602, or click here to schedule online. Appointments are not required at our Montreal Ave Food Market.
Do I have to sign in?
Our trained Neighborhood House staff and interns will conduct a short intake with you. This process involves asking you a few questions and connecting you to other resources if desired.
English is not my first language. Do you have someone who speaks my language?
Our diverse group of staff, volunteers, and interns are always here to assist you. If we don’t happen to have someone around who speaks your primary language, we can utilize a translation service.
What kind of food can I expect to receive? Is the food healthy?
We strive to offer fresh, healthy, and culturally relevant food for you and your family. You can expect to receive nonperishable items as well as produce, dairy, and protein.
What is the food market like? Will I feel welcomed?

All are welcome at our two Food Markets!

Wellstone Center Food Market: Currently offers an appointment-based model. We strive to create a dignified and comfortable shopping experience where you can choose the foods you want and will use.

Neighborhood House on Montreal Food Market: We are currently operating a walk-in, choice-based shopping model. You may need to wait in line. However, you will be able to shop for yourself and your household and choose the foods you want and will use.

Does the food market accept SNAP/EBT benefits?
There is no cost associated with shopping at our food markets, so SNAP and EBT benefits are not accepted. If you’re interested in finding out if you are eligible for SNAP benefits or if you need to renew your benefits, please speak to our Food Market staff during the intake process.
Can I donate food?

Yes, we do accept food donations!

Small donations: If you have a small donation of food (a few bags worth of groceries), these can be dropped off anytime during market hours. Please visit the Food Markets page for current hours and call 651-789-3630 to schedule a drop-off if possible.

Large/bulk donations: If you have a large/bulk food donation to drop off (a carload or more of food and items), please contact us here or call the food market directly at 651-789-3630 to arrange a drop-off.

Host a food drive: If you and/or your group is interested in hosting a food drive, please email us.

Please visit our in-kind giving page to view our wish lists and learn more. .

Is the Food Market ADA accessible?
Yes, our Wellstone Food Market is ADA accessible. Unfortunately, our Neighborhood House on Montreal Food Market is not fully accessible.
Where does the food come from?
We source food from two major food banks in Minnesota – Second Harvest Heartland and The Food Group. Additionally, farmers and gardeners provide us with fresh produce in the summer.
How often can I visit the food market?

Shoppers are welcome to visit both food markets 2 times per month – simply visit during shopping hours. First time visitors should plan for an additional 15 minutes for the intake process.

Do you offer delivery?
As of January 2026, we are delivering to local families who are temporarily not leaving their homes. We are no longer accepting new households for deliveries. If you are in need of food support, our two free Food Markets are still open during our regular hours.
Can I pick up food for someone else?

Yes, you’re welcome to pick-up food for another person/family as a proxy! Examples of a proxy (authority to represent someone else) include: case manager, relative, friend and neighbor.

If you would like to shop as a proxy for someone other than yourself, you must bring a completed TEFAP form to your scheduled appointment. This form must be completed by the person/family whom you would like to shop for. It is crucial that they complete the front and back of the form, especially where the form asks for proxy permission.

Alternatively, you can obtain a proxy form by visiting one of our two food markets. If you are shopping as a proxy, you are welcome to shop for up to two households per appointment.

Do you offer prepared food?
No, the food at our market includes nonperishable items, produce, dairy, and protein that needs to be prepared.
Do you offer items other than food?
Occasionally we receive donated items that are not food. For example, baby diapers, adult diapers, household and hygiene items, and feminine hygiene products. We distribute these items when we are able.
Where can I park?
At the Wellstone Center, you may park behind the building along the curb (on the left as you drive up). At Neighborhood House on Montreal, you may park anywhere in the south parking lot behind the building.
What is your policy on pets?

For health and safety reasons, Neighborhood House will only allow service animals into the food markets. To read our full policy, please click here. 

Please fill out and submit the form below to contact us.

Carrie Sowada | Child Development Specialist

Carrie comes to Neighborhood House as a recent graduate of the U of M’s Family Social Science program, where they graduated with distinction. They have more than five years of experience working with and mentoring children in St. Cloud area youth programs, as well as customer service and restaurant experience. Additionally, Carrie has experience in community building, advocacy, and working with children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. In their spare time, Carrie enjoys crocheting. It’s their favorite hobby. 

Valerie Dorschner | Early Childhood Instructor

Valerie has worked at Neighborhood House since 2004.

Valerie leads the Skills for School preschool program and is responsible for the curriculum. She has over 20 years of experience in early childhood working with parents and children, and has training and experience working with neurodiverse and dual language students.

  • Valerie is a licensed teacher with a bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of St. Thomas.
  • She holds licenses in elementary education and in early childhood education, and has several years of experience
    teaching elementary school.

Valerie enjoys her free time with her five children and one grandchild.

Victoria Campoverde

Victoria Campoverde is the program manager of Neighborhood House’s Latino Leadership Program. She is originally from Peru and was a licensed high school teacher in her home country.

Her extensive experience within the education sector exemplifies her commitment to education and families.

  • Currently, she serves as the Cultural Liaison between Columbia Heights School District and Anoka-Hennepin School District.
  • In 2008 Victoria began working with The Amherst H. Wilder Foundation’s Latino Leadership Program on adapting their curriculum for the Latinx community. Since then, she has continued working in the Latino Leadership Program after its 2020 transition to Neighborhood House.
  • Coauthor of Education: Our Best Legacy (EOBL), a school success program designed for parents or caregivers with one or more children in middle school. EOBL is part of the Partnering for School Success project (PSS) with the University of Minnesota’s Extension program.
  • Lead teacher and Program Director at Joyce Preschool.
  • A 25 on the Rise, Latino Leader recipient from the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in 2006.
  • Facilitator with different Latino parent programs in the Twin Cities.
  • President of Kuyayki Peru MN Cultural Association.

For Victoria it is important to value ones culture and cultivate ones heritage. She believes in the importance of empowering the community through her work with Neighborhood House and the Latino Leadership Program. During her free time Victoria enjoys dancing.

Winter / Spring Fresh Produce Distributions Events*

From November–May, all are welcome to come pick up a variety of free fruits and vegetables for family and friends. Distributions take place at Metro State University in St. Paul.

This event is held indoors. Masks are encouraged but not required.

During each event, we distribute approximately 3,000 pounds of food to approximately 75-100 families on average.

No documentation or identification is required to participate.

For additional questions about the Food Markets, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.

Event guideline and details: Our fresh produce events are open to everyone!

  • Requirements: Nothing! You do not need identification to receive food.
  • Recommendations: You may want to bring your own bags and a cart if you have one. On average, visitors will leave with approximately 40 pounds of fresh produce per event. 
  • Registration: First-time visitors are required to register on site. The registration process will take 5-10 minutes to complete.
  • Parking: You can park in the Metro State ramp parking for $5. Otherwise, street parking is available along 7th St. and Bates Avenue.

Wellstone Center | 179 Robie Street East, St. Paul, MN  55107

 

Location

Metropolitan State University

(Student Center Room)
101 690 E 7th St
St. Paul, MN 55106

TIME – 2:30–4 P.M.

DATES – December 17, 2025 | January 14, 2026 | February 11, 2026 | March 11, 2026 | April 8, 2026 | May 13, 2026

 

* Weather permitting – If there are thunderstorms or excessive heat warnings, we may cancel the event and / or events. For more information and event cancellation updates, please call (651) 789-3630.

Still have questions? Kindly email Nicki Thao, Food Market Site Coordinator.

Summer / Fall distributions* (Summer 2025)

From July to October, all are welcome to come pick up a variety of free fruits and vegetables for family and friends at our St. Paul locations. 

The distributions are held outdoors and are farmer’s market style. No documentation or identification is required to participate.

For additional questions about Food Support, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.

Event guideline and details: Our fresh produce events are open to everyone!

  • Requirements: Nothing! You do not need identification to receive food.
  • Recommendations: You may want to bring your own bags and a cart if you have one. On average, visitors will leave with approximately 40 pounds of fresh produce per event. 
  • Registration: First-time visitors are required to register on site. The registration process will take 5-10 minutes to complete.
  • Parking: You may park on the street at most of our locations. 
 

Locations

The Wellstone Center*

179 Robie Street
St. Paul, MN 55107

Dates

Every 2nd and 4th Wednesday from July to October
Hours: 12 p.m.–2 p.m.

  • 7/10
  • 7/24
  • 8/14
  • 8/28
  • 9/11
  • 9/25
  • 10/9
  • 10/23

Summit Brewing Parking Lot

902 Montreal Circle
St. Paul, MN 55102

Dates

Every 1st and 3rd Thursday from July to October
Hours: 12 p.m.–2 p.m.

  • 7/3
  • 7/17
  • 8/7
  • 8/21
  • 9/4
  • 9/18
  • 10/2
  • 10/16

Flyers

2025 flyer – English

* Weather permitting. If there are thunderstorms or excessive heat warnings, we may cancel the event and / or events. For more information and event cancellation updates, please call (651) 789-3630.

Still have questions? Please email Nikki Thao, Food Market Coordinator.

Food Market Location

Francis Basket

1293 East Maynard Drive #410
St Paul, MN 55116
Phone: (651) 699-0986

Building Hours

Monday

9AM – 11:30AM

Tuesday & WEDNESDAYS

9AM – 11:30AM
1PM – 4PM

Directions

Highland / Sibley Manor

Food Market Location

The Wellstone Center

179 Robie Street
St. Paul, MN 55107
Phone: (651) 789-2500
Food Market Info: (651) 789-3630

Directions

Appointment Required

Make Appointment online: Click Here

Appointment Scheduling Hours

Monday – Friday

9:30AM–4PM

Operating Hours

Monday

TUESDAY–FRIDAY

SATURDAY

  • 1–4PM 
  • 9:30–11:30AM
  • 1–3:30PM

Closed Saturdays until 2026

Wellstone Center Food Market

St. Paul Music Academy

27 Geranium Avenue East
St Paul, MN 55117
Service Connect: (651) 789-3602

Building Hours

Monday – Friday

9AM – 4PM

Directions

St. Paul Music Academy

John A. Johnson Elementary

740 York Avenue
St Paul, MN 55106
Service Connect: (651) 789-3602

Building Hours

Monday – Friday

9AM – 4PM

Directions

John A. Johnson Elementary

Neighborhood House on Montreal

1080 Montreal Ave
St Paul, MN 55116
Service Connect: (651) 789-3602

Building Hours

Monday – Friday

9AM – 4PM

Directions

No appointment necessary

Operating Hours​

MONDAY–WEDNESDAY

  • 9:30–11:30AM
  • 1–4PM
Neighborhood House on Montreal

Dayton's Bluff Elementary

262 Bates Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55106
Service Connect: (651) 789-3602

Building Hours

Monday – Friday

9AM – 4PM

Directions

Dayton's Bluff Elementary

Bruce Vento Elementary

409 Case Avenue East
St Paul, MN 55130
Service Connect: (651) 789-3602

Building Hours

Monday – Friday

9AM – 4PM

Directions

Bruce Vento Elementary

Main Campus

The Wellstone Center

179 Robie Street
St. Paul, MN 55107
Main Phone: (651) 789-2500
Service Connect: (651) 789-3602
Food Market Info: (651) 789-3630

Building Hours

Monday – Friday

8AM – 9PM

Saturday

8AM – 4PM

Sunday

NOON – 5PM

The Wellstone Center

Parking

The Wellstone Center Parking Ramp is located on the west side of the main building. The ramp has three levels with one elevator bank. Take the elevator to the first floor and follow the signs towards the information desk.
Parking is free.

Directions

Note: Building hours may be adjusted due to holidays, emergencies, program changes or weather. Check our website homepage and social media for possible building hour changes.