On St. Paul’s East Side, Merrick Community Food Shelf Anchors a Lifeline of Dignity and Stability

On Arcade Street, inside Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church, a steady line of vehicles forms on weekday afternoons. Families wait patiently, windows cracked against the Minnesota air, for their turn at Door 3. What happens here is not simply food distribution. It is community infrastructure in motion.

At 1669 Arcade Street North, Merrick Community Services operates one of the East Side’s primary nutritional support hubs, serving residents of St. Paul’s East Side and the city of Maplewood. In a period marked by rising grocery costs and sustained economic pressure on working households, Merrick’s Food Shelf functions as both safety net and stabilizer.

A Model Built on Dignity

Unlike traditional pre-packed food distribution, Merrick employs a client-choice model. Participants select foods that meet their dietary needs, cultural preferences, and household realities. The approach reduces waste and restores a measure of autonomy often lost in moments of crisis.

The shelves typically include:

• Fresh produce, dairy, and meat
• Staple items such as rice, pasta, cereal, and canned goods
• Household essentials including toiletries and cleaning supplies, when available

The philosophy is simple but consequential: hunger relief should not come at the expense of dignity.

Who Is Eligible

The food shelf is available to:

• All residents of Maplewood
• Saint Paul residents living within Merrick’s designated East Side service area

Families may access services once per week. Those uncertain about eligibility boundaries are encouraged to call the intake line at 651-219-5535 for verification.

Hours and Access Points

As of the most recent operational schedule, distribution is primarily drive-through, accessed through Door 3 (Suite 4).

Drive-Through Hours:

• Monday: 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Tuesday: 10:00 a.m. to Noon
• Wednesday: 10:00 a.m. to Noon

In-person indoor shopping hours may vary week to week. Residents are advised to call ahead to confirm availability.

Food Shelf Contact Information
1669 Arcade Street North, Door 3
St. Paul, MN 55106
Food Shelf Phone: 651-287-2088
Main Office Phone: 651-771-9339

Office Hours:
Monday through Thursday: 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Friday: Closed

Current updates, including holiday closures, are posted at:
merrickcs.org

More Than a Pantry

Founded on the principle that strong neighborhoods require strong support systems, Merrick Community Services extends beyond hunger relief. The Arcade Street location also connects residents to employment assistance, senior programming, youth stabilization services, and broader community resources designed to address the long-term causes of instability.

Food shelves often serve as the first visible indicator of economic strain within a community. On St. Paul’s East Side, demand has remained steady as families navigate inflation, housing costs, and fluctuating work hours. In this landscape, Merrick’s work is both immediate and preventative.

The cars that line Arcade Street each week tell a quiet story of need. But they also tell a story of collective response. Volunteers organize crates. Staff coordinate intake. Families leave with groceries that will stretch through the week.

In a neighborhood defined by resilience and diversity, Merrick Community Services continues to offer something both practical and profound: nourishment delivered with respect, and support rooted in community.

MinneapoliMedia