Harvest’s Last Call: SACA Food Shelf Hosts Final Produce Distribution of the Season

Harvest’s Last Call: SACA Food Shelf Hosts Final Produce Distribution of the Season

COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, Minn. — The season for farm-fresh bounty is drawing to a close, and this Saturday, September 27, marks an essential date for community members seeking nutritious, free produce. SACA Food Shelf & Thrift Store, a cornerstone of community support located at 627 38th Ave NE in Columbia Heights, will host its final produce distribution of the season.

Event Details

The distribution begins promptly at 8:30 a.m. and continues until all fruits and vegetables have been given away, with an anticipated closing time of 11:30 a.m.

• What: Free, fresh fruits and vegetables
• When: Saturday, September 27, 8:30 a.m. until supplies are gone (estimated finish at 11:30 a.m.)
• Where: SACA Food Shelf & Thrift Store, 627 38th Ave NE, Columbia Heights, MN 55421

This seasonal program, held on the second and fourth Saturdays from July through September, reflects SACA’s ongoing commitment to increasing access to healthy food options. Offered in partnership with Second Harvest Heartland and local farmers, the events are structured as drive-through distributions, free of charge, and open to the public—no registration or appointment required.

SACA: A Pillar of Community Support

Founded nearly 50 years ago, Southern Anoka Community Assistance (SACA) has long served Columbia Heights, Fridley, Hilltop, Spring Lake Park, and Northeast Minneapolis. Its mission extends beyond immediate hunger relief to promoting dignity, independence, and sustainability.

• Serving the Need: Each year, SACA distributes more than 950,000 pounds of food, reaching tens of thousands of individuals.
• Comprehensive Services: Beyond seasonal produce distributions, SACA operates a Client-Choice Food Shelf (structured like a grocery store to provide comfort and autonomy), a Mobile Food Program, and SACA Delivers, a home delivery service for seniors and adults with disabilities. An on-site Thrift Store further supports operations, with proceeds reinvested into food purchasing.
• Fighting Waste: In its sustainability efforts, SACA rescues large quantities of food that might otherwise go to waste. Items unsuitable for human consumption are redirected to local animal sanctuaries or composted.

A Timely Opportunity

As cooler weather settles in and local harvests taper off, this weekend’s distribution offers one last chance for neighbors to stock up on fresh, healthy goods before the season’s close. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early and bring their own bags or boxes for easy packing.

For more information about SACA’s programs, volunteering, or donations, visit www.sacafoodshelf.org or call (763) 789-2444.

MinneapoliMedia