21° and Light freezing rain
Image
HASTINGS, Minn.
On the second Saturday of every month, a steady line of cars and families gathers along Point Douglas Road South, drawn not by spectacle but by necessity. Inside the parking lot of The Harbor Church, volunteers prepare grocery carts filled with food, offering a practical response to food insecurity that continues to affect households across Dakota County and the greater Hastings area.
Located at 11125 W Point Douglas Road South, Hastings, MN 55033, The Harbor Church operates a monthly community food distribution beginning at 9:00 a.m., with service typically continuing until approximately 11:00 a.m., depending on demand and supply. The distribution takes place every second Saturday of the month and is widely advertised as free and open to the public.
The program, known within the church as “The Hands and Feet of Jesus”, reflects a service model that prioritizes dignity, accessibility, and low barriers to entry. Community members are not required to pre-register, provide documentation, or meet geographic eligibility requirements. Food is distributed on a first come, first served basis, with quantities dependent on available inventory.
According to church materials and community resource listings, the monthly distribution typically includes a broad mix of grocery staples designed to meet household needs for the week ahead. Items often include fresh produce, meat and poultry, dairy products such as milk and eggs, bread and bakery goods, and shelf stable pantry items. On some occasions, non food household items are also available.
While some past bulk food programs associated with regional food partners have included a suggested donation, the church’s current second Saturday distribution is publicly promoted as free, with no payment required for a cart of groceries.
In addition to food assistance, The Harbor Church often coordinates free health screenings, including blood pressure and blood sugar checks, during distribution hours. These services are provided by volunteers and healthcare partners as part of a broader effort to address both immediate and preventative community needs.
Church leaders describe the food ministry as one component of a wider outreach mission that blends faith based service with tangible support. For residents facing rising grocery costs, medical expenses, or temporary job disruptions, the distribution has become a consistent and reliable resource.
Residents seeking more information, updates related to weather, or opportunities to volunteer may contact The Harbor Church directly at (651) 493-7974, email info@theharborchurch.com, or visit theharborchurch.com.
At a glance
Location: 11125 W Point Douglas Rd S, Hastings, MN 55033
When: Second Saturday of each month
Time: Begins at 9:00 a.m.
Cost: Free
Access: No registration required, open to all
As food insecurity increasingly touches working families, seniors, and children alike, monthly efforts like this one underscore how local institutions continue to serve as front line responders to economic strain, one grocery cart at a time.
