MINNEAPOLIMEDIA NEWS | CAER Food Shelf Expands Weekly Access to Kids’ Weekend Food Bundles in Elk River

ELK RIVER, MN (May 1, 2026) CAER Food Shelf is continuing its Kids’ Weekend Food Bundles program, providing no cost, prepackaged food assistance for families with K to 12 students during designated weekly distribution times.

The program operates at CAER Food Shelf, with pickups scheduled Thursdays from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Fridays from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.. No appointment is required. Participants are instructed to park and check in at Door A upon arrival.

Program Purpose and Access

The Kids’ Weekend Food Bundles program is designed to address gaps in food access when school meal programs are not available, particularly over weekends. The initiative provides ready to prepare food items intended to support school aged children outside of the school week.

The program is open to families with children in grades K to 12. There is no formal application process or income verification required. Families self declare eligibility based on need.

CAER Food Shelf primarily serves residents in Elk River, Otsego, Zimmerman, Ramsey, and Rogers. Officials note that if a parent or guardian cannot attend during distribution hours, a designated proxy such as a relative, friend, or neighbor may pick up the food on their behalf.

Distribution Structure and Frequency

Unlike CAER’s standard grocery program, which typically requires appointments and is limited to once per month, the Kids’ Weekend Food Bundles are available for pickup on a weekly basis. This structure is intended to provide consistent and predictable access to food resources for families with school aged children.

Each bundle is prepackaged and generally рассчитан to support one to two students for a weekend period. A maximum of three bundles may be distributed per household, depending on family size.

Food Contents and Dietary Options

Each package includes a rotating selection of kid friendly, easy to prepare items. Typical contents include a combination of proteins, fruits, vegetables, dairy items, and snacks.

To accommodate dietary needs, CAER offers specialized bundles, including:

• Gluten free
• Nut free
• Dairy free
• Pork free
• Vegetarian

These options are intended to ensure accessibility for children with dietary restrictions or food sensitivities.

Organizational Overview

CAER Food Shelf, also known as Community Aid Elk River, operates as a regional food access provider and is designated as a Certified SuperShelf in Minnesota. The designation reflects a focus on improving the shopping environment and prioritizing access to nutritious food.

In addition to weekend food bundles, CAER provides monthly grocery distribution, limited emergency financial assistance for housing and utilities, and seasonal support programs such as school supply distribution.

Additional Information

Officials advise families to arrive within scheduled hours, as demand may vary. The food shelf may close during major holidays, and residents are encouraged to confirm availability when distribution dates coincide with holiday periods.

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