BEMIDJI COMMUNITY

FOOD SHELF

Celebrating 43 Years of Serving the Community

Meet Our New Executive Director, Jennifer Aakre!

Jennifer brings a rare mix of nonprofit leadership, budgeting, fundraising, and real-life experience with food insecurity. She grew up in her parents’ small-town grocery store, giving her a unique understanding of food, people, and community — a perfect match for our mission.

About Jennifer

Our Impact So Far In 2025...

11,033

Households Served

35,017

Individuals Served

754,520

Pounds of Food Distributed

736

Donors

(January 1st - October 31st 2025)

"You people are great! God bless the lot of you!"

- A GRATEFUL NEIGHBOR

Bemidji Food Shelf Sees Record use.

Total Year: 2024 vs. 2023

Individuals Served:

2024: 42,531 (12% increase)
2023: 37,519

Households Served:

2024: 13,576 (13%increase)
2023: 11,913

Pounds of Food Distributed:

2024: 961,995 lbs ($1,731,591.00 Value to community) 22% increase
2023: 755,338 lbs (1,359,608.00 )

Food Shelf Visits up in Minnesota

Food insecurity is a statewide issue impacting Minnesotans of all ages. In 2024, Minnesota’s 87 counties saw an 18.4% average increase in food shelf visits. The ten counties with the most significant jump included both urban and rural areas. 53% of 2024 Minnesota food shelf visitors were adults; 36% were children; and 11% were seniors.

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Take a Tour of Our Farm

Our 3.5-acre farm is located next to our food shelf right here in Bemidji. Started in 2017 in an industrial site, we now grow thousands of pounds of fresh produce every year that are distributed in our food shelf.

Learn More About the Farm

How You Can Support BCFS

Volunteer your time. More than 300 volunteers give their time, energy, and compassion to help their neighbors, and we welcome anyone who wants to join them—there’s a role for every ability. Click below to learn more about volunteering.

Volunteer

Leave a legacy. Learn more about how you can make a donation to the Bill Beyer Endowment, donate stock, or include BCFS in your estate planning. Click below to learn more about legacy donations.

Estate Planning

Make a monetary donation. We purchase two-thirds of the food we distribute, making monetary donations essential to the success of our mission. We can turn every $1 donated into $4 thanks to our amazing partners. Click below to make an online donation.

Monetary Donations

Donate goods. Every month, generous contributions from members of our community help support local households with food, personal care products, and other essentials. Click below for a list of our most needed items.

Donate Goods

Check out our new look!

Bemidji Community Food Shelf recently received a much-needed facelift. The main entrance to the building was updated and is now much more welcoming and safe for our community. Click the pictures below to see the transformation!

Thanks to Zetah Construction for their work and in-kind donation.

BCFS is a 501c3 non-profit organization and has been in existence since 1982.

Our mission statement: The Bemidji Community Food Shelf is a faith-based, caring place that listens to those who are experiencing food insecurity. We work with our partners to be inclusive and to provide fresh, nourishing foods for those living in Beltrami County and the Bemidji School District.

About BCFS