NEAR Food Shelf Celebrates 50 Years with Expansion
A Crystal food shelf is celebrating 50 years of community service with a fresh new look. NEAR’s expansion involves a remodeled, marketplace-style shopping experience for its clients.
NEAR Food Shelf, founded in 1974, served a small group of cities until the pandemic. Beginning in 2020, it expanded its reach to anyone in need.
Director Thea Bruley said the volunteer-driven nonprofit’s old model was pick-up style. Volunteers packed bags for clients, who then picked them up. The new model allows people to come and choose their own food from the marketplace.
“Super shelf model is like a grocery store. You have your fresh produce, you have your grains and proteins, and things like that,” Bruley said. “We’re just so happy that we could provide this service.”
A look at the new metal shelves at NEAR food shelf.
Bruley said the model is paying off, too. Back in July when the old model was in place, 462 households got 58,000 pounds of food total. In November, 511 households received 48,000 self-selected pounds of food. Bruley said though need continues to grow, allowing families to pick exactly what they need stretches the food further.
“It works out so much better, and it gives another layer of dignity to our clients who are coming into the food shelf,” Bruley said.
It’s making a difference for the helpers, too. Terry Teigen is an eight-year volunteer.
“I do many things. I can’t give you a job description,” Teigen said, laughing.
Though he did share some things– he helps stock shelves and sort boxes. He doesn’t typically work with clients directly, but he’s heard plenty.
“It’s easily accessible, and there’s no humiliation about anybody coming in because they have to have this product. So, we welcome everyone,” Teigen said.
Teigen stocks the produce section at the marketplace-style food shelf.
Everyone is welcome, and to him, the impact is tangible.
“They say… ‘We cannot live without his product and all of these products.’ Which is super. So we know we are making a difference,” Teigen said.
They’re making a difference for 50 years now, and they think, hopefully, for 50 more to come.
NEAR is always in need of more donations and volunteers. To learn how you can get involved, check out the organization’s website.
If you’re in need of food assistance, you can also call NEAR at 763-533-2836. More details are available on its website.
