Shopping Guidelines

Updated Information for 2025

  • Please bring bags or boxes to carry your groceries in, including small bags for produce. We will no longer be providing bags or boxes.
  • Due to high call volume, we ask shoppers to only call if they have barriers to accessing the online appointment system. The average time it takes from phone call to scheduling is approximately one week. We have added more appointment availability online. If you have technology barriers keeping you from scheduling online, please call 507-320-3712 for technical assistance.
  • Please do not arrive more than 5 minutes to your shopping appointment. We do not allow early arrivals and you will be asked to wait outside.
  • We are unable to take walk-in appointments
  • In case of inclement weather, Pantry closures will be reported on Facebook and KAAL weather closures.

What should you expect during your Welcome Pantry appointment?

We ask that shoppers follow these guidelines to help us shorten wait times for everyone:

  • Arrive to the Welcome Pantry at your scheduled time to shop. If this is your first-time shopping and you need to register for a shopper number, please arrive 5-10 minutes early. The exception to that is if you have the very first appointment of the day. If you have the first appointment slot of the day, please just plan to arrive at the scheduled appointment time.  This allows our staff and volunteers the opportunity to ready the pantry for your visit.  
  • Due to parking limitations, we ask that you do not arrive early unless you need to register. If you arrive more than 5 minutes before your scheduled appointment, we will ask you to wait in your vehicle until your scheduled time.  Thank you for your understanding.  As we approach cold and flu season, we want to keep all our shoppers as healthy as possible.
  • If you miss your appointment, you may be asked to reschedule or receive an emergency food box instead. 
  • Appointments are scheduled in 15-minute blocks of time. 
  • If you are bringing others to shop, each person must schedule an appointment at that time.