SJB Food Shelf: The Dream & The Reality
Margaret Nelson, Parishioner & Volunteer Food Shelf Coordinator

One of our contemporary American philosophers once said, "Dreams pass into the reality of action. From the action stems the dream again, and this interdependence produces the highest form of living." Deacon Nick Hanten (at St. John's from 1987-1996) had such a dream. It was a practical sort of dream rooted in his calling as a deacon to serve the poor of the parish.  It started small. Deacon Nick found those who were hungry. He gathered some of what he called "goodies," and began a tradition of bringing baskets to those parishioners needing some help at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter.

But Deacon Nick knew people were hungry in ordinary time as well. He appropriated a cupboard in the upper sacristy of the church and began to distribute a few canned goods and other non-perishables to those in need. The dream grew larger...

In 1996, Deacon Nick died. His dream then became the dream of Deacon Joe McPherson (at St. John's from 1996 -1999). The dream went on when vouchers became available that enabled people to purchase non-food items such as soap, toilet tissue, and toothpaste not permitted under the Food Stamp Program.

By the time Deacon Joe Kenney (at St. John's from 1999 - 2002) came on the scene, the dream had grown again, and the pantry established by Deacon Nick had become inadequate.  Usage had increased dramatically. The Food Shelf, as it had become known, was moved into the access area leading to the rectory from the church. More organization was needed. Volunteers were recruited and regular hours were initiated. A relationship was established with the Ralph Reeder Emergency Food Shelf of Ramsey County.

Today, under the guidance of Anne Marie Bartlett, St. John's pastoral minister, the Food Shelf is located in the storeroom adjacent to St. Joseph Hall in the Parish Center.

Deacon Nick's dream continues to grow... and so does the need. Our Food Shelf is stocked entirely by the gracious contributions of the people of this parish. It has been low, but never empty. Space is seriously limited for storing anything more than the bare essentials. Although most is kept at St. John's, perishables, and whatever is left over, are taken to Ralph Reeder for distribution to the larger community.

Although vouchers are no longer regularly available, clients are referred to First Call for Help and Ralph Reeder where many more social services are available. We provide phone numbers to clients, or we can assist them in making the initial contact.

Our Food Shelf is an emergency, short term operation, a small part of a larger network available to residents of Ramsey County. It is not intended for long term use. We mainly serve our own parish, but we are open to all. Clients should live within or near the New Brighton and Mounds View communities. They need to show a photo ID and another proof of residency, such as a utility bill. No one, however, is ever turned away. Each is allowed to fill two grocery bags from available items. They may visit twice per month, and usage is monitored. Emergency Food Shelf visits have increased at St. John's, as is true across the entire metropolitan area. At the time of this writing in 2006, there has been an increase of 35% over the same period in 2005. There is no typical user profile.

Some are temporarily unemployed or underemployed, others are chronically ill. Some struggle with mental health issues, others are trying to rebuild or make a new start. All are in need, and all are grateful, sometimes touchingly so, for any help they can get.

Volunteers are the backbone of our Food Shelf operation.  Typically, they come in one or two times a month for two hours at a time. The Food Shelf is open three days a week, M-W-F, from 10 a.m. - 12:00 noon, and it is closed on holidays. Records are kept of each visit by clients, and they are invited to come to Mass and become part of St. John's parish family. The focus is on establishing a helping relationship. Each visitor is treated with hospitality, respect, and confidentiality.

Deacon Nick would be proud, as are Deacons Joe McPherson and Joe Kenney. The dream goes on. Like any developing and thriving concern, the Food Shelf, but not the dream's potential, has stretched the limits of available space. More shelving is needed to accommodate demand. With faith in the goodness of the One who calls us all to serve the poor, that too shall become the reality of the dream. The dream continues...

Ralph Reeder Emergency Food Shelf
Margaret Nelson, Parishioner & Volunteer Food Shelf Coordinator

Originally located at  the corner of 10^th Street & 5^th Avenue in New Brighton, it is now housed in the old Pike Lake School building on 14^th Street NW, and it is part of the Community Education Programs of the Mounds View School District.

Clients must reside within the geographic limits of the service area, which includes Arden Hills, Mounds View, New Brighton, Shoreview, Roseville, and the Ramsey County portion of St. Anthony. Once their eligibility has been determined, clients may receive food once every 30 days as long as their emergency status continues. They are required to make an appointment for each visit, and they may be asked to periodically meet with a staff member to discuss their current situation. Additional services are available to clients through appropriate agencies by referral.

The Ralph Reeder Emergency Food Shelf relies on food and cash donations from area churches, businesses, schools, organizations, and individuals, as well as Minnesota state funding and grants. St. John's Food Shelf has a partnership with the Ralph Reeder Food Shelf.