Community Resources
ECHO Food Shelf
Call 507-345-7508 or book online. Phone lines will open at 9 am.
Feeding our Community Partners
Delivering BackPack Food Program to doorsteps.
Holy Grounds
Meals can be picked up at the South entrance between 9-10 am. Hot coffee will also be available.
Lafayette Charter School
Offering lunches to LCS families who need meals.
Nicollet Public Schools
Offering free breakfast and lunch to anyone in need.
Nutrition Assistance Program for Seniors (NAPS)
NAPS is a nutrition assistance program just for seniors. Qualifying older adults receive a free supplemental food package every month. Each package includes a nutritious balance of shelf-stable foods, plus reduced-fat cheese.
St. Peter Food Shelf
Beginning March 18, 2020, food will be available by scheduled pick-up only. If you need food, please call the Food Shelf at 507-934-9641 to arrange a pick-up time. If you leave a message, your time is not confirmed until a volunteer returns your call.
St. Peter Public Schools
Offering meal distribution for all children 18 and under at various locations.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
The Snap Program is a county-run, federal program that helps single persons or families with low incomes get the food that is needed. The program issues electronic food support benefits on an EBT card that can help supplement your food budget. Expedited SNAP supplies benefits quickly to households whose basic living needs exceed their monthly income. If you are eligible, benefits will be issued within 5 working days.
Information about COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and Unemployment Benefits
The Minnesota Unemployment Insurance (UI) Program provides a temporary partial wage replacement to Minnesota workers who become unemployed through no fault of their own.
If you've become unemployed or had your hours greatly reduced, you should:
- Complete the Application Process - let us determine whether or not you are eligible.
- Read the Information Handbook.
- Look for letters in the mail about your benefit amount and how to request benefit payment.
- Request a benefit payment every week, even if your eligibility is being determined.
- Respond to all requests for information completely, honestly and in a timely manner.
Minnesota’s Energy Assistance Program has funds to help pay energy bills; Households have until July 1 to apply
For those who have not already received help this heating season, there is still time. The Department of Commerce especially encourages newly unemployed, households with young children, people with disabilities, veterans and seniors to apply.
“Increasing numbers of Minnesotans are becoming economically vulnerable due to the COVID-19 pandemic.” said Commerce Commissioner Steve Kelley. “Energy Assistance is an important safety net to help our households stay healthy and safe in this challenging time.”
The Energy Assistance Program serves households earning less than 50 percent of the state’s median annual income ($52,014 for a family of four). It helps low-income homeowners and renters with energy bills through grant money paid directly to their utility companies or heating fuel vendors.
Average annual grant is $545, plus additional funds for shutoff or emergency fuel delivery situations.
| Blue Earth, Brown, Faribault, Le Sueur, Martin, Nicollet, SIbley, Waseca & Watonwan Counties |
Minnesota Valley Action Council | 507-345-6822 or 1-800-767-7139 ext. 2433 Mankato, MN |
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