Basic Needs Inc. of South Washington County

We need your support! 

This GivingTuesday, December 2nd, please consider a donation to support Basic Needs Inc. of South Washington County.  Your end-of-year gift to Basic Needs fuels our 2026 programs, powers new initiatives, and helps us reach even more neighbors in need!

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About Us at Basic Needs 

The Basic Needs mission is to support the basic needs of those in our community such as housing, food, clothing, and coordinated services.

We believe everyone deserves access to the essentials. Basic Needs Inc. is all about breaking down barriers to provide nutritious food, affordable clothing, and connections to vital services. Our community is stronger when everyone has what they need to thrive, and we’re here to make that happen! To learn more about us, visit www.basicneedsmn.org.

Join Us in Helping More Families!💙

This past winter, a young New American mom came to us in crisis, struggling to put food on the table, find safe housing, and get back on her feet. With help from our Food Market, School Food Rescue Program, and community partners, we were able to step in fast, providing food, transportation, housing support, and job guidance. What started as an emergency turned into a lasting solution. Today, she’s working full-time, financially stable, and safe. Stories like hers happen because of donors like you, who help families not just survive, but thrive.

Our Programs Include: 

• Food Market:  Our Food Market in Cottage Grove is a welcoming walk-in market that empowers people to choose the foods that best fit their needs, including fresh fruits and vegetables and culturally relevant options. It’s entirely run by over 50 passionate volunteers who make it all possible!

  • 2024 Impact:

    • 622,719 pounds of food distributed

    • 591,019 pounds of food rescued

    • 163,093 people served

    • 54,000 households supported

    • 800+ pounds of locally grown produce distributed

• Thrift Shop: Our thrift shop is open to everyone, and it’s a real treasure hunt! Every item donated and every dollar spent goes right back into supporting our programs. It’s shopping that helps the community and the planet at the same time.

  • 2024 Impact: 

    • 87.65 Tons recycled 

• Emergency Voucher Program: We provide vouchers to families in crisis, including many transitioning from homelessness. Over 70% of recipients identify as BIPOC or multi-racial, ensuring help is reaching those who need it most in our community.

• Share the Joy Program: Our holiday program pairs families and individuals in South Washington County with community sponsors who provide anonymous gifts, spreading holiday cheer and making a real difference for those supported by Washington County Services.

New initiatives

Culturally Relevant Food Program:  Basic Needs has partnered with Washington County to distribute culturally relevant foods to the East African Community. We plan to continue bringing in more cultural food options to Black, Latine, and Asian populations. 

School Food Rescue Program:  We rescue surplus food from cafeterias and redistribute it through our Food Market and engage BIPOC communities. We are currently in all 23 schools in the SoWashCo School District #833 by the end of 2025. This program will introduce food rescue and our free Food Market to students and their families.

Food Repacking Program – Turning bulk and rescued restaurant food into family-sized portions, reducing waste and improving food equity. 

Big Honors!

We’re excited to share that Basic Needs Inc. was named the 2024 Non-Profit of the Year by the Cottage Grove Chamber of Commerce! This honor fuels our mission and inspires us to reach even higher in helping our neighbors.

Also, the Woodbury Area Chamber  of Commerce named Basic Needs as the 2025 Non-Profit Charitable Endeavors Partner to offer support, amplifying our mission, and helping deepen our community impact. These achievements highlight our work across the community and collaboration to building a stronger ecosystem for our neighbors in need. 

2025 NON-PROFIT CHARITABLE ENDEAVORS PARTNER 

2026 NON-PROFIT OF THE YEAR

Thank You for

Your support helps neighbors in South Washington County access food, clothing, and vital services. Together, we’re reducing waste, breaking down barriers, and helping thousands of families thrive every year.

Learn more: www.basicneedsmn.org