How a lift gate and rolling carts transformed CES Food Shelf’s Home Delivery program

At The Food Group, we’re passionate about ensuring food security for everyone in our community, especially those facing challenges like physical limitations or age. That’s why we’re thrilled to share the incredible impact of a recent partnership with CES Food Shelf on their Home Delivery program.

This collaboration resulted in two game-changers: a lift gate on their delivery van and rolling carts with shelves incorporated into their delivery process. These seemingly simple additions have made a world of difference, both for their dedicated staff and volunteers, and for the hundreds of vulnerable neighbors they serve each year.

Safer, Smoother Deliveries

No more heavy lifting! The lift gate eliminates the need for staff and volunteers to manually heave groceries up and down stairs, minimizing the risk of injury and fatigue. Rolling carts streamline the process further, allowing efficient movement of food from their basement warehouse to the van and ultimately to clients’ doorsteps – most of whom are elderly or have disabilities or illnesses.

Fresher Food, Happier Faces

Less handling means happier groceries! By minimizing bag transfers, staff and volunteers can deliver produce and other delicate items with greater care, ensuring they arrive looking fresh and inviting.

Expanding Outreach, Serving More

The increased efficiency translates to more time and resources dedicated to serving our community. This paves the way for program expansion in the future, allowing CES Food Shelf to reach even more neighbors struggling with food insecurity.

“The Home Delivery staff and volunteers are excited over the addition of a lift gate to our delivery van. Along with the use of the new rolling shelves, the process has been streamlined. Staff and volunteers note an improved efficiency and decreased lifting of each grocery bag. Less handling of each grocery bags has proven to deliver a visually appealing end product to our neighbors. We are truly grateful for your support to make this project possible.”

Krista Hong, Home Delivery program manager

The Numbers Tell the Story:

  • 39.8% increase in seniors visiting food shelves in MN last year – Underscores the critical need for accessible food support solutions like Home Delivery.
  • 389 neighbors served by Home Delivery last year – Reflects the impact they’re already making.
  • 147,716 pounds of groceries delivered last year – Represents the tangible food assistance they provide to those who need it most.

“Thank you so much for delivering groceries to my apartment… I appreciate that you always bring the food to my apartment.”

Home Delivery client

This impactful transformation wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support of our donors and partners. Your contributions directly empower CES Food Shelf to improve the lives of vulnerable neighbors, allowing them to access nutritious food with dignity and ease.

Your support, in any form, fuels our mission of nourishing the community. Together, provide food today and make change for tomorrow.

The Food Group believes in food equity. They believe in culturally specific foods. They believe in meeting people where they are at. And most of all, they believe in dignity.

The Food Group volunteer and donor

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The Food Group

We’re a nonprofit working at the intersection of equity and access to fresh, sustainable foods. From farming to distribution, we provide fresh food across MN and WI.

The Food Group is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. EIN 41-1246504 Contributions are tax-deductible to the full amount provided by the law.

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