Frequently asked questions
Yes, anyone is welcome! We currently do not have any requirements to visit our food markets.
Wellstone Center: You must make an appointment prior to visiting this food market. Please call (651) 789-3602 from 9 AM – 4 PM, Monday-Friday.
Francis Basket: You do not need an appointment to visit this food market, show-up during shopping hours and ring the door bell.
Find more information about our food markets here.
Wellstone Center: We have an appointment-based choice model at our Wellstone Center food market. This system is first-come, first-serve. When it is your appointment time all you have to do is show up, to choose the food items you want (up to a certain limit based on household size).
When a person comes to get food, they sign in at the food market desk, complete an intake to update our information and get connected with holistic resources, and then go shopping.
Francis Basket: We are currently operating this food market under a curbside/pick-up model. Participants will come to the exterior door, a food intake worker will work with them to find out their needs and complete an intake and will bring out their groceries.
Wellstone Center: Yes, please call us at (651) 789-3602.
Francis Basket: No.
Wellstone Center: We are currently using an appointment-based choice model at this food market. We strive to create a dignified and comfortable shopping experience where our participants can choose the foods they want and will use. When a person comes to get food here, they sign in at the food market desk, complete an intake to update our information and get connected with holistic resources and then go shopping with a volunteer to pick out food.
Francis Basket: We are currently operating a curbside/walk-up model in which participants are not allowed to enter the market. Despite our minimal in-person interactions, our staff, volunteers, and interns always provide a welcoming experience to all shoppers.
Yes, we do accept food donations!
Small donations: If you have a small donation of food (1-2 bags worth of groceries or less), they can be dropped off anytime during market hours [Mondays 1 PM – 4 PM & 5 PM – 6:30 PM, Tuesday-Friday 9 AM – 11:30 AM and 1 PM – 3:30 PM].
Large or bulk Donations: If you have a large/bulk food donation to drop off (a carload or more of food/items), please email 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 contact us by email.
Please visit our in-kind giving page for more information or questions.
Wellstone Center: We use an appointment based system that currently allows one visit per month from one household. As of June 5, 2023 - visitors will be able to visit twice monthly. Additionally, you are welcome to one set of walk-up bags per month, for you and your household. A set of walk-up bags consists of two pre-packaged grocery bags with staple food items. An appointment is not required to receive a walk-up bag.
Francis Basket: We welcome people to pick-up food once a week.
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.
For health and safety reasons, Neighborhood House will only allow service animals into the food markets. To read our full policy, please click here.
