A local non-profit named Basic Needs will hold the grand opening of its community food pantry in Cottage Grove on Thursday, Sept.14 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

Basic Needs Food Market, located at 8475 East Point Douglas Road, Suite 106, is a community food pantry that operates as a food market offering a walk-in, dignity-based shopping experience for those in need, and at no cost. 

As such, the 4,100 square-foot location on East Point Douglas Road has well-stocked grocery staples along with a consistent supply of fresh fruits and vegetables, with shoppers given anonymity and convenience-based shopping for those who might be hesitant to engage with seeking hunger relief. 

“For Basic Needs, success is seeing our clients receive the support they need, instilling self-confidence, empowering them, and helping them achieve self-sufficiency,” Executive Director Vickie Snyder shares of the organization.  

Basic Needs operates a 100% organic community garden in partnership with Newport Collision Center to help supply fresh produce, also partnering with retail partners, restaurants, and others to avoid local food waste. 

The group’s work is greatly assisted by the labor and efforts of its volunteers as well. Those interested either in donating or else becoming a sponsor of Basic Need’s work in the community can email Snyder at execdir@basicneedsmn.org. 

With shoppers able to check out up to 15 pounds of food daily, Basic Needs Food Market is open daily Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

No check-in or appointment is necessary, although shoppers are asked to bring their own paper bags due to a limited bag supply. 

With Basic Needs Food Market the latest addition to its community relief efforts, the organization runs a voucher program for emergency support to families, a thrift shop with clothing and housewares at 6990 80th Street South Suite 200 in Cottage Grove, and hygiene kits with basic supplies like soap, toothpaste, deodorant, and more. Finally, Basic Needs also has several “free little pantries” within the South Washington County area, run on the principle to, “take what you need, give what you can.” Little Free Pantry locations include the following: 

• Inside the Park Grove Library at 7900 Hemingway Ave. S.
• 1145 Dayton Ave. in St. Paul Park, 
• 8600 90th St. S. in Cottage Grove
• 8100 Belden Blvd. in Cottage Grove
• 1145 Summit Ave. S. in St. Paul Park, and
• 1596 11th Ave. S.in Newport

Named 2022 Non-Profit of the Year by the Cottage Grove Chamber of Commerce, more information can be found at Basic Needs website, basicneedsmn.org.