Kandiyohi County Food Shelf

Kandiyohi County Food Shelf - Neighbors Helping Neighbors

About Us ....
Mission: Responding collectively using community resources to relieve the suffering of poverty by providing food assistance.Vision: Hunger is no longer a barrier to the health and well-being of people in Kandiyohi County.Impact Statement: Neighbors Helping Neighbors: Willmar Area Food Shelf provides the opportunity for neighbors to come together through donations, fundraising, food drives and volunteering to provide for the hungry. WAFS is committed to helping all those in need with an open mind and finding innovative ways to respond to poverty with respect and dignity.

History: In 1982, representatives of local churches and social service agencies started a temporary emergency food program for the needy. They envisioned the program to last about five years.  The first meeting to discuss the possibility of establishing a food shelf was held February 22, 1982.  On April 28, 1982 the plan was announced to the public. To everyone’s surprise donations of money, food, and equipment came pouring in. On July 6, 1982 articles of incorporation were signed.

The first home for WAFS was located in the South 71 Plaza then a short time later WAFS moved to 414 Becker Ave SW.  In May 1986 the food shelf moved to 106 Sixth St SW and in November 2004 it moved to 624 Pacific Ave SW, where it currently resides.

We are currently serving 750 households a month with their monthly food order and an additional 100 individuals daily for produce.