Lakes Area Food Shelf Expands To Brainerd-Baxter

Lakes Area Food Shelf (LAFS) announced today it will open a branch facility serving Brainerd and
Baxter. The decision comes following discussions with Brainerd Lakes Area nonprofits who believe LAFS
is the agency best able to serve growing food insecurity in Brainerd-Baxter. The expansion has unanimous
support of the LAFS Board of Directors. LAFS will continue operations at its Food Shelf and Community
Resource Hub in Pequot Lakes.
The Brainerd-Baxter area is seeing significant growth in food insecurity. LAFS’ figures show
nearly 200 Brainerd-Baxter households rely on its Pequot Lakes facility, making Brainerd-Baxter the
region’s number one area of need. It exceeds the 119 households from Pequot Lakes.
“We’re tracking nearly 50% overall growth year-over-year,” explained LAFS Director Tamara
Larsen. “These neighbors drive over 25 miles from the Brainerd-Baxter area for assistance. The need is
clear and we’re ready to help.”
Location and Cost
LAFS is in discussions to acquire a retail/commercial building in the Brainerd-Baxter area to house
the new food shelf. The agency will duplicate the process used in 2023 to raise over $500,000. That
campaign renovated the Pequot Lakes food shelf and opened a Community Resource Center. A significant
share of funds came from small dollar donations. The Brainerd-Baxter cost is estimated at $1.7 million,
covering building purchase, renovation, and operation. Target date for opening the new facility is early
April 2026.
“We will not go in debt to expand,” said LAFS Board President Dale Carlson. “The amount
necessary will be in hand before we move forward. It will not negatively impact our Pequot Lakes
operation.”
The LAFS Approach to Food Insecurity
Lakes Area Food Shelf’s holistic approach to food insecurity allows those in need to “shop” from
items arranged in a grocery store-like setting. The facility is stocked with food purchased with financial
donations, with gleaning from area supermarkets, and with produce bought from area farmers. Since
hunger is often influenced by other factors, the LAFS Resource Center aids clients in navigating social
services. Often, if the underlying causes of hunger are addressed, reliance on a food shelf is shortened.
Resource Center partners include Bridges of Hope, Crow Wing County, and Lutheran Social Services.
Our mission is to serve as a trusted community resource
by helping our friends and neighbors become hunger free and attain a healthy life.
PO Box 423 * 29316 Patriot Avenue * Pequot Lakes, MN 56472
Phone: 218-568-8474 Email : director@lakesareafoodshelf.org
website: lakesareafoodshelf.org
“We respectfully serve our Friends and Neighbors without judgement and with a commitment to
help overcome the factors that led them to us,” said Director Larsen. “An unexpected illness or expense
can cause anyone to need a food shelf.”
Join the LAFS Community With Your Financial Support
Donate via the PayPal Giving Fund with your PayPal account or credit card. PayPal Giving Fund
provides the Donation Receipt and waives all transaction fees so we receive your entire donation.
Mail a check to: Lakes Area Food Shelf PO Box 423 Pequot Lakes, MN 56472
Drop off a check during business hours at: 29316 Patriot Avenue Pequot Lakes, MN 56472
About Lakes Area Food Shelf
Lakes Area Food Shelf was founded In 1991 at Lutheran Church of the Cross in Nisswa by grocer
Don Messick, who passed away in 2014. LAFS is now a secular entity operating as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
It’s based on the campus of Grace United Methodist Church in Pequot Lakes, Minnesota.