Coon Rapids Pop-Up Events Help Thousands Stretch Their Dollars

COON RAPIDS, Minn. — As rising costs continue to strain household budgets across Anoka County, a series of large-scale community pop-ups in Coon Rapids is helping thousands of residents access essential food and resources — and, in turn, freeing up limited dollars for other basic needs.

Food Support at the Center

One of the most impactful efforts is led by Spirit of Matthew 25, a Coon Rapids–based nonprofit that operates out of Coon Rapids United Methodist Church. The organization runs a monthly drive-through food distribution on the second Sunday of each month, along with weekly giveaways every Friday from 4–6 p.m. and a “Bread & Bakery (& More)” distribution on Tuesdays from 6–7 p.m.

According to the organization, these programs serve more than 1,000 households per month and distribute over $1.5 million worth of food and supplies annually. Families receive fresh produce, pantry staples, baked goods, and, when available, protein and dairy — items that would otherwise significantly impact monthly budgets.

At the Tuesday and Friday events, Spirit of Matthew 25 uses a client-choice model, allowing participants to select items they prefer rather than receiving preset boxes. Organizers say this model preserves dignity, reduces waste, and better matches families’ cultural and dietary needs.

These efforts are confirmed in Anoka County’s food resource listings, which identify Spirit of Matthew 25 as one of the area’s most active free food providers.

A Hub for Broader Community Resources

Beyond food distribution, many larger Coon Rapids pop-up events function as community resource fairs, connecting residents to organizations that provide:

• Housing and rental assistance
• Health and mental-health services
• Legal and family support
• SNAP/WIC enrollment
• Additional food shelf referrals

These resource fairs help residents stabilize multiple areas of their lives and complement the food access work already taking place weekly in the community.

Additional Ways Families Save

Another major pop-up event helping local families stretch their money is the Just Between Friends (JBF) consignment sale, held semi-annually in Coon Rapids. The sale brings together hundreds of consignors offering children’s clothing, shoes, toys, books, and baby gear at 50–90% off retail prices. Families selling through JBF typically earn back 60–70% of their sales, creating an additional savings-and-income loop that supports household budgets.

The dual impact of food-access pop-ups and large consignment events demonstrates how Coon Rapids residents rely on multiple community systems to manage rising costs.

Meeting a Growing Need

Local nonprofits and county agencies agree that demand has surged in recent years. Inflation, higher food prices, and stagnant wages have pushed many families to seek help — including residents who have never visited a food distribution before.

Organizers say the model works because it meets people where they are, with no barriers, no prerequisites, and no stigma. The drive-through format allows hundreds of cars to move efficiently through each event, and the client-choice model ensures families get exactly what they need.

How to Access or Support These Pop-Ups

Spirit of Matthew 25 maintains its full distribution schedule — weekly and monthly — on its website. Residents can attend, volunteer, or donate, and consignors interested in the next JBF event can view upcoming sale dates online.

For more information about resources and upcoming events, visit Spirit of Matthew 25’s official website and the Just Between Friends Coon Rapids event page.

MinneapoliMedia