Food
Ridgewater College Warrior Pantry
Students are able to pick up a variety of food and hygiene items on campus from the pantry during business hours (9am-4:00pm Monday-Friday). The Willmar campus pantry is located in the student service building in room A244. The Hutchinson campus pantry is located in the southwest corner of the commons in room 307.
Campus Ministry
The Campus Ministry Center is located across the street from the Willmar Campus. A free meal is offered to students on both Tuesdays and Wednesdays (11:00 am – 2:00 pm) during the semester. Campus Ministries has a Food Pantry of non-perishables available inside, as well as a Blessing Box outside the 15th St. door. If you have questions call Chaplain Amy at 320-282-2225.
Community Resources
Kandiyohi County Food Shelf
Students that are taking classes online, the Kandiyohi Food Shelf has delivery options available to students living within Kandiyohi County. Call: 320-235-2641 for more information.
McLeod Emergency Food Shelf
McLeod has two locations as well as a mobile food option. Individuals or families are able to receive up to two food orders per month. Due to COVID you can even order online and pick up curbside. Visit their website for further information: https://mcleodemerencyfoodshelf.org/
Salvation Army
Offers lunch for youth during the summer months, and Thanksgiving and Christmas food baskets. Salvation Army also provides bread for community members in need. Call: (320) 235-2033
Common Cup Ministry Hunger Free (Back Pack Program)
Backpack” Food Program works year-round to serve the Children of McLeod County. During the school year, it provides food over the weekend for students who receive free lunch during the week. During the summer it supports our Summer Lunch Program. Consider sponsoring a McLeod County Elementary student for the year!
Call: 320-587-2213
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
SNAP, formerly known as Food Stamps, helps Minnesotans with low incomes get the food they need for nutritious and well-balanced meals. The program provides support to help stretch your household food budget. It is not intended to meet all of your household’s food needs. It is a supplement. If you are approved for SNAP, you can use your benefits at many stores, farmers markets and senior dining sites. Apply online at Mnbenefits.org
Women, Infants, & Children (WIC)
WIC is a nutrition and breastfeeding program that helps young families eat well and be healthy. WIC helps pregnant woman learn about nutritious foods for a healthy pregnancy and birth, support breastfeeding, and helps families provide nutritious foods to their young children so they are healthy, happy and ready to learn. Women who are pregnant or nursing or individuals with a child under the age of five may be eligible for WIC. To see if you are eligible contact the WIC Hotline at 1-800-942-4030 to find a WIC Clinic near you.
Hope for Our City
Wednesday night from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Due to COVID concerns, you basically get in line and volunteers put the groceries into your backseat, trunk, or where ever you would like them. You can get up to 4 shares and they suggest a $1 donation per share, if you are able. Everyone is welcome – no eligibility criteria or proof of any sort is required. They serve whomever shows up!
Located at:
Cornerstone Construction building
1020 HWY 71 NE
Willmar, MN
Free or reduced meals/Food options around Hutchinson and Willmar Campuses
Free and reduced food Willmar, MN
Kandiyohi County Food Shelf, Willmar, MN
United Community Action Partnership (UCAP), Willmar MN
