Food Shelf Turns 40

WBAEFS has faithfully served neighbors in need since 1977.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the White Bear Area Emergency Food Shelf. Since 1977, the organization has been a cornerstone of the community and a critical resource for individuals and families in need. The WBAEFS is usually the “first stop for someone just starting to experience food insecurity,” says executive director Andréa Kish-Bailey.

Looking ahead to the next milestone, Kish-Bailey says she’d like to focus on mobile markets to expand services to places like assisted living communities and local schools, but for now, she shares a by-the-numbers look at all the work the food shelf does to combat hunger in the community.

5 staff members

10 communities served

114 active volunteers

590 families visit the food shelf each month

600 pounds of produce grown in garden per year

2,705 individuals served each month

36,000 pounds of food donated each month

45,000 pounds of food distributed each month

420,000 pounds of food donated per year

White Bear Area Emergency Food Shelf