Every month, we collect donations for a local nonprofit through rounding up your transaction total at the register. This November, our partner organization is Community Emergency Service, Inc. (CES). Located on the corner of East 19th Street and 11th Avenue South, CES has facilitated direct food support to Midtown Minneapolis neighbors for 55 years.
55 years of community support
Since its founding in 1971, CES has shared their space with Augustana Lutheran Church in the Ventura Village neighborhood of Minneapolis- one of the most ethnically diverse neighborhoods in Minneapolis. Just 1.6 miles from our Lyndale store, CES meets neighbors where they’re at through barrier-free food assistance, with kindness, compassion and respect. CES is guided by the belief in sharing resources, serving neighbors, and creating community. CES’s guiding principal is to cultivate trusting community among neighbors, because lasting food security begins with connection and shared support.
nearly two hundred thousand neighbors served
From April 1st, 2025 to March 31st 2026, CES served more neighbors than ever before. According to their impact report, CES supported 194,737 people with food and community resources—a 35% increase from the previous year. To bring food directly to those who face the most barriers, CES operates four unique programs designed to increase food access.
THE NEIGHBORHOOD FOOD MARKET
Operating like the traditional food shelf, the Food Market offers appointments to shop the market Tuesday- Friday in the afternoons. Neighbors can pick from fresh produce, proteins, dairy, pantry items, and a variety of culturally familiar foods. Anyone who needs food is welcome to visit the market twice a month, and can make an appointment online or call.
CLIMATE-CONTROLLED FOOD LOCKERS 
Another innovative way CES bridges the gap to accessing food resources is through contactless, refrigerated food lockers. These food lockers allow people to pick up groceries privately, on their own schedule. This provides a crucial option for many neighbors who may not be able to get to the food market during regular weekday hours- whether they work multiple jobs, caring for children, or facing transportation barriers. After ordering through their online system, they schedule their pickup time, receive a locker code, and volunteers pack food for pickup—morning, evening, or weekend. This is one of the only food locker concepts operating in the state.
“CES added a second bank of climate controlled food lockers, doubling our capacity to provide flexible and convenient access to healthy food – a popular option for working adults and families with children.” –CES 2026 Impact Report
MEALS ON WHEELS
CES also operates one of the largest Meals on Wheels (MOW) programs in Minnesota. Last year alone, CES volunteers and staff brought nutritious meals to over 500 seniors and adults with disabilities in their own homes. Another longstanding Minnesota-founded nonprofit, MOW works with 26 member programs throughout the state. All their meals are prepared by professional chefs and planned by a nutritionist, and can be delivered hot and ready to eat, or frozen. An important part of the MOW experience is the human connection and a wellness check to ease feelings of isolation. Participants are asked to contribute toward the cost per meal, but no one is ever turned away for lack of funds.
ANIMEALS
Started by CES volunteers after learning of some Meals on Wheels participants sharing meals with their pets to ensure they didn’t go hungry, the “AniMeals” program has operated for 11 years. On one Saturday a month, volunteers deliver free pet food and supplies if needed. The program also supports care, including vaccines, health exams, and spay/neuter services. Want to support AniMeals? Volunteer, or donate pet food and supplies! They especially need small bites dry dog food and canned cat food.
CONNECT WITH CES
- Donate directly (matched dollar-for-dollar through the end of the year)
- Subscribe to their newsletter