The Southern Anoka County Assistance food shelf (SACA) is stepping up to support more families in Columbia Heights. Recently, they opened a newly renovated facility on California Street Northeast, which is three times larger than their old space.
“Our former building could fit inside this room,” shared Leigh McCarren, the development and communications manager, as she showed off the new warehouse. “We used to serve about 40 families a day. Now, we’re averaging around 140. That’s a big change.”
For over 50 years, SACA has been a vital resource for the north Minneapolis community. The idea for this expansion started in 2020. Fast forward to 2023, and with funds from federal and state sources, they were able to renovate and reopen in April.
The new food shelf operates ‘market’ style, which means no appointments are necessary. This setup is designed to make it easier for families to access the support they need.
One visitor, Naphtali, who is expecting another child, expressed gratitude: “A lot of times our food support runs out before the end of the month.”
The demand for food assistance has been on the rise, especially since the pandemic. The Food Group, a Minnesota-based organization, tracks usage at food shelves statewide. Their findings reveal a significant increase, with over 9 million visits recorded last year alone. This reflects the growing challenges many families face.
In addition to the food shelf, the new building also features a thrift store, which keeps prices low—usually just a few dollars per item. This dual approach aims to help families both with food and affordable clothing or household items.
SACA staff and volunteers believe that as awareness grows, more people will turn to them for help. The need is evidently there, and SACA is committed to meeting it.
In times of economic uncertainty, local resources like SACA become crucial lifelines. According to recent surveys, many families are struggling with food insecurity. Reports indicate that 1 in 8 households in Minnesota faced food insecurity in the past year, highlighting the need for accessible assistance.
As the community responds to these challenges, SACA stands ready to support them—and their expanded space will help ensure that help is available for many more families to come.
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Anoka County, Food Banks
