EMERGENCY FOOD ASSISTANCE
We provide emergency food assistance to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity, financial hardship, or an immediate shortage of food.
Our goal is to respond with dignity, cultural sensitivity, and practical support while helping households stabilize and connect with additional community resources when appropriate.
What We Provide
Depending on available resources, PATH may provide or help coordinate:
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Emergency groceries and food packages
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Culturally appropriate food when available
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Food vouchers or gift cards when donated or otherwise made available
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Referrals to food shelves, food distribution sites, and community food programsR
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Resource navigation for households that may need additional support beyond food assistance
The type and amount of assistance available may vary based on donations, funding, inventory, household need, volunteer capacity, and program resources.
Individuals and families experiencing an immediate food need may request assistance from PATH.
Requests are reviewed based on:
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Current household need
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Household size and circumstances
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Available food and donated resources
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Geographic service area
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Program funding and capacity
Submitting a request does not automatically guarantee assistance.
Who May Request Assistance
Service Area
PATH primarily provides emergency food assistance to households in Hennepin County, Anoka County, and nearby Twin Cities communities, including Brooklyn Park, Brooklyn Center, Coon Rapids, Ramsey, and surrounding areas.
Requests from outside the primary service area may be considered depending on available resources, donor support, volunteers, partnerships, and program capacity.
Individuals seeking food assistance should complete PATH’s Request for Assistance / Assistance Intake Form through the PATH website.
The form helps PATH understand:
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Household size
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Immediate food need
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Location
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Contact information
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Any barriers affecting access to food
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Other urgent needs the household may be experiencing
Individuals may also contact PATH by telephone or email for general information. However, completing the Assistance Intake Form is strongly encouraged so that PATH can properly review and document the request.
How To Apply
FAQ
After PATH receives an intake request
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The request is reviewed.
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A PATH team member may contact the applicant if additional information is needed.
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PATH determines what assistance may be available based on the household’s need and current resources.
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Assistance may be provided directly, through a voucher or gift card when available, through food pickup or delivery, or through referral to another community provider.
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The applicant is contacted with available next steps.