VEAP Inc

VEAP's Food and Basic Needs Program provides access to healthy, fresh foods for households experiencing food-insecurity. The program includes an on-site food pantry, mobile food pantry, student hunger initiative (supplemental food for school-age children), and food deliveries to seniors or individuals with mobility barriers. VEAP operates one of the largest food pantries in the state with 256,175 total Food and Basic Needs program services provided, including 33,724 express packs (one, 50-pound bag of groceries for walk-in visitors) in 2024. Of the nearly 4.7 million pounds of food that was distributed, over 40% was fresh fruits and vegetables. VEAP offers fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy, deli, bakery, and a variety of food choices that include protein, meats, canned goods, and non-perishable items. Participants may visit the on-site food pantry/mobile pantry as needed, typically 1-2 times per month.VEAP addresses transportation barriers to healthy food access by delivering food to 11,613 seniors or qualifying individuals. The mobile food pantry provides 51,942 individuals with access to healthy foods at designated sites in areas of high need located throughout VEAP's service area. Food is provided throughout the school year to 13,744 students in the Edina, Richfield, and Bloomington School Districts. VEAP's state-of-the-art commercial kitchen serves as a business incubation site for start-up businesses that produce food for market wholesale.