For 70-year-old Val, food has always been more than just a necessity. Growing up one of 13 kids in her family, she knew the ache of hunger. Her parents, working tirelessly at low-wage jobs, didn’t always have enough to feed their large family. Help sometimes came from churches, often deliveries of bread or canned government commodities. “We were always hungry,” Val recalls. “But help was hard to find back then. I only learned about food shelves when I had a child, how they could be a resource when we were between jobs or having hard times.”
Today, Val is no stranger to food shelves, but her experience has changed. She now lives in a senior building in a low-income neighborhood where mutual aid thrives. Neighbors leave food in the lobby or take it to the laundromat or other community locations, creating a network of support. Still, the increasing cost of groceries makes food access a challenge, especially for seniors living on fixed incomes. Fortunately for her, a new resource has become a lifeline: Open Cupboard and its drive-up service and Today’s Harvest free, fresh market.
“I go to other food shelves sometimes and, I don’t know what it is, it’s just so cheerful here,” Val explained. She first began using Open Cupboard’s drive-up service, receiving fresh produce, meat, milk, eggs or cheese, and some non-perishable and personal items once a month. “The service is so efficient and well-organized. The products are always so good, and they’re always on time. And the volunteers! They’re so kind. They’re outside, and they’re always so friendly. The check-in process is so efficient—really, they’ve got it down.”
When Open Cupboard’s second Today’s Harvest market opened in Maplewood in December 2024, Val started shopping there a couple times each week, appreciating that it was closer to her West St. Paul neighborhood. And with help from her Medicaid plan, transportation to and from are covered because the market offers produce and nutritious ingredients. “It’s a lifesaver for seniors and low-income folks. The transportation and carrying those heavy bags used to be a real challenge.”
But it’s not just about convenience—it’s also about quality. Val is amazed by the fresh produce and proteins she gets, like organic chicken breasts and blocks of cheese. “It’s not even day-old here,” she says, laughing. “If it is, it’s the best day-old ever.” She has even learned to cook with new ingredients, experimenting with things she’d never tried before, and consulting YouTube for video tips on how to use every ounce, like browning avocadoes. “I made applesauce with all these apples I got from Today’s Harvest. I ate that with baked chicken, and then again for breakfast.”
The food is just part of Val’s story. It’s the connection to a community that keeps her coming back. “More than the food, it’s a place to go every day,” she says. “It’s a nice way to take care of yourself, especially for seniors. It’s a place to connect, to socialize.” This community aspect is essential to Val’s experience, a reminder that hunger relief organizations like Open Cupboard are not just about providing meals—they’re about providing dignity and a sense of belonging.
Val also notes how attitudes toward food help have changed since her youth. “It used to be that there was shame going to food shelves. But now? It’s not the same. If you’re using resources, you’re being smart. You’re taking care of yourself until you can stand on your feet again.”
The stigma around food help has certainly shifted, and for Val, that means more people are getting the help they need. Still, she warns against organizations that ask for too much personal information. “People are afraid of what’s going to be asked of them,” she explains. “Seniors, immigrants, working people who can’t afford the high cost of food—they often don’t get the help they need because they’re scared of the information they’ll have to provide.”
In her eyes, Today’s Harvest stands out because it’s rooted in community, offering both quality food and a welcoming environment, no questions asked other than ‘how are you?’. For Val, food is about more than just sustenance; it’s a way of caring for herself, exploring new tastes, and connecting with others. “A good spirit can go a long way,” she says. And thanks to places like Open Cupboard, Val has found a source of both nourishment and hope, right in her own community.