Spirit of Matthew 25 food ministry anchors multi-layered food security effort in Coon Rapids

COON RAPIDS, Minn. - What appears on the surface as a simple Friday food giveaway is, in practice, one of the most comprehensive faith-based food security initiatives operating in Anoka County.

The Spirit of Matthew 25 ministry, based at Coon Rapids United Methodist Church at 10506 Hanson Blvd NW, runs a coordinated schedule of weekly and monthly food distributions designed to meet families where they are, with no eligibility requirements, no residency restrictions, and no questions asked.

The program’s guiding principle is accessibility. Anyone who needs food is welcome.

A weekly rhythm of support

Each week, the church campus becomes a hub for food access through multiple entry points.

On Tuesdays from 6 to 7 p.m., the ministry hosts a Bread and Bakery distribution, opening Door A at 5 p.m. Participants receive bread, baked goods, and limited perishables.

The most visible program takes place on Fridays from 4 to 6 p.m., when the church lobby is transformed into a market-style distribution space. Door A opens at 3 p.m., and visitors receive numbered tickets to ensure a fair and orderly process. Beginning at 4 p.m., numbers are called and volunteers guide participants through a client-choice setup that allows individuals to select items that best fit their household needs.

A monthly drive-thru distribution, held on the second Sunday of each month from noon to 2 p.m., provides pre-packed boxes distributed directly from the church parking lot, serving households that may have limited mobility or transportation challenges.

What families receive

Across its programs, Spirit of Matthew 25 distributes a wide range of food items, including protein, fresh produce, dairy products, pantry staples, bread, and bakery goods. Availability varies week to week, reflecting the program’s reliance on rescued and donated food.

Because much of the food is recovered from retail partners, some items may be near or slightly past their best-by dates. Organizers encourage recipients to inspect items and select what they feel comfortable using.

Scale and impact

Since launching in 2021, the Spirit of Matthew 25 ministry has grown rapidly. As of late 2024 and early 2025, the program is serving more than 1,000 households each month and is on pace to distribute over $1.5 million worth of food and supplies annually.

Food sourcing relies heavily on partnerships that reduce waste while expanding access. Contributors include nonprofit organizations such as Every Meal and local suppliers like Bergin Fruit & Nut Company, as well as major retailers including Hy-Vee, Cub Foods, Starbucks, and Panera Bread.

During the summer months, the ministry also draws from a free community garden located on church grounds, where fresh produce is grown specifically for distribution through the food programs.

Beyond the general food shelf

Spirit of Matthew 25 extends its mission beyond traditional food distribution.

Through its Dignity Pantry, the ministry partners with Coon Rapids High School to support students experiencing housing instability. The program provides food, personal hygiene supplies, and gas cards to help students remain connected to school and daily necessities.

The ministry also supports Bikes4Kids, using Sunday drive-thru events as drop-off and request sites to help provide bicycles as a means of transportation for those who need them.

A model rooted in dignity

What distinguishes the Spirit of Matthew 25 effort is not only its scale, but its philosophy. There are no income thresholds, no identification checks, and no data collection requirements. The client-choice model emphasizes autonomy and dignity, allowing individuals to take only what they need.

For organizers, the work is about more than calories. It is about stability, trust, and sustaining community through consistency.

How to connect

Community members seeking food assistance, volunteer opportunities, or additional information can contact:

Tammy, Food Ministry Coordinator
Email: Tammy@CoonRapidsUMC.org
Phone: (763) 755-6990
Website: spiritofmatthew25.org

As food insecurity continues to affect working families, seniors, and students across the north metro, Spirit of Matthew 25 remains a steady presence in Coon Rapids, spreading hope one meal at a time.

MinneapoliMedia