About the Nonprofit
Visit Our Website
Basic Needs uplifts those who have encountered hardship by providing barrier-free access to basic needs via our nutritious and fresh food market, affordable and high-quality thrift shop, and social services referral network to build a stronger community focused on equity, inclusion, and sustainability.
Basic Needs Food Market
Basic Needs combats food insecurity with a walk-in, welcoming, dignity-based, choice-focused food
market, including well-stocked grocery staples, a consistent supply of fresh fruits and vegetables, and an
anonymity and convenience-based shopping experience designed for clients hesitant to engage with the
hunger relief sector. We currently are serving over 3,500 families and distribuƟng over 60,000 pounds of
food that has been rescued from the CoƩage Grove Community to over 80 zip codes in the Twin CiƟes. In
addiƟon, we had our 34 bed community garden, Growth for Good , that grew and distributed over 600
pounds of food to the food market as well.
Free LiƩle Pantries
For those experiencing emergency food assistance, Basic Needs supports 24/7 Free LiƩle Pantry
locaƟons using the philosophy, “Take what you need, give what you can.” There are a total of six pantries
located in the community -hƩps://www.basicneedsmn.org/free-liƩle-pantries.
Basic Needs ThriŌ Shop
Our 100% community-donated thriŌ shop offers a variety of seasonal, carefully inspected, gently used
merchandise for public purchase, with sales reinvested in the Basic Needs programming.
Voucher Program and Social Services
The Basic Needs voucher program provides emergency support to families facing crises with an
immediate referral to our thriŌ shop and comprehensive social services network. In 2024 Basic Needs
assisted 59 households with over $11,000 worth of voucher items. Our clients lived in Hennepin, Anoka,
Dakota, Ramsey, and Washington CounƟes. In addiƟon, we distributed one-Ɵme charitable
donaƟons/free items in the community totaling $11,754.
We also partner with other social services agencies throughout Washington County to offer emergency
support like the cold weather winter shelter, hotel vouchers, gas cards, and car repairs.
Season Assistance
Expect compassionate seasonal support that buoys spirits during what can be a difficult Ɵme of year for
many, including Thanksgiving meals and other holiday assistance. In partnership with the Washington
County family services and South Washington County School district 833, we supplied 42 families with
Thanksgiving meals and 70 families with holidays giŌs in 2023.