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Food

2-1-1 United Way

2-1-1 call centers are staffed 24/7 by trained Community Resource Specialists who quickly assess needs and refer callers to the help that they seek. They offer information on a broad range of services, including:

  • Food and housing support
  • Mental health and substance abuse resources
  • Legal assistance
  • Youth programs
  • Medical and dental clinics
  • Education and job training opportunities
  • Household items
  • Temporary financial assistance and money management
  • Childcare
  • Transportation



Phone
  • 2-1-1
  • 800-543-7709

Web
Address

Email
Arrowhead Senior Dining and Meals on Wheels (AEOA)

Silver Bay: Meals are available Monday through Friday at the Northwoods Family Grille, 6 Shopping Center, Silver Bay. Reservations are not required. You may also dine in the North Shore Area Partner’s Community Room from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesdays (also catered by the Northwoods Family Grille). Call 218-226-3635 with any questions. Home delivered meals are also available. You must register with the AEOA Senior Meals program, which can be done on-site.

Two Harbors: Meals served Monday through Friday in Lake View Hospital. Call 218-735-6899 or 800-662-5711 (ext. 6899) to sign up. Once registered, call Lake View kitchen at 218-834-7380 for a copy of the monthly lunch menu and to select days to receive a meal. Home delivered meals are also available.



Phone
  • 218-735-6899
  • 800-662-5711 ext. 6899

Web
Address
  • Silver Bay:
    Northwoods Family Grill
    6 Shopping Center
    Silver Bay, MN 55614

    Two Harbors:
    325 11th Avenue (located in Lake View Hospital)
    Two Harbors, MN 55616

Email
Community Partners

Volunteer service to assist elders in living independently. Services include transportation to medical appointments, care coordination, chores, basic home maintenance, assistance with grocery shopping, social programming, and friendly conversation. Community Partners also offers caregiver counseling, support groups, and respite care. Education and community events are scheduled throughout the year.

  • New Memories Café-A social and educational gathering for older adults and their families and friends. No diagnosis is necessary. The New Memory Café is designed for everyone to have a nice time in a safe environment. New Memory Café meets on the third Wednesday of each month at the Community Center, 417 South Avenue, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Open to the public and free of charge.
  • Caregiver Support Group-Meets 2nd Monday of every month at the Community Partner’s office. Contact for meeting times.
  • Groceries to Go-There are three different ways to access food: A volunteer will drive the participant to the grocery store to assist in shopping and then assist in unpacking and putting away groceries; a volunteer will drive the participant to the Two Harbors Area Food Shelf to access food and then assist in unpacking and putting away groceries; a participant can call Community Partners to place their order, then a volunteer will do the grocery shopping and deliver and put the groceries away. Call or stop by Community Partners to register.



Phone
  • (218) 834-8024

Web
Address
  • Community Center Building
    417 South Ave
    Two Harbors, MN 55616

Email
Damiano Center

Community Services

  • Community Services-Offering area resources in situations of homelessness, chemical dependency, domestic abuse, unemployment and mental health. No case management commitment; use as often or as little as needed.  Assistance with hygiene products, household goods and bus tickets and gas vouchers (for work or medical appointments). Open Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 9am-3pm.
  • Hygiene Unit-Hygiene services including showers, toilets, and sinks are available to everyone Monday-Friday from 9am-3pm. Drop-ins welcome. Come to the parking lot doors and you will be greeted by Damiano staff.
  • Health Realization-Cognitive skills-based program that helps individuals manage stress in a positive way. Open to all individuals on Wednesdays at 7pm in the Community Kitchen; women’s meetings are Sundays at 7pm in room 205 (please arrive 15-minutes early).

Clothing and Household

  • Clothes that Work-Free clothing for low income individuals that are seeking employment or are employed and need clothing (must provide ID and proof of employment). Also provides accessories, hygiene and beauty products. Hours are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 9am-3pm.
  • Free Store: Free clothing and household goods. Hours are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 9am-3pm.

Food Community Kitchen:  Breakfast and dinner to-go meals are available during serving times at the 4th street entrance.

  • Continental Breakfast 8:30am-9:30am (daily)
  • Lunch 11:30am-1pm (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday)
  • Dinner 5pm-6pm (Friday, Saturday and Sunday)

Kids’ Kitchen: Kids ages 6+, no adult needed. Provides healthy meals, nutritional education, and a safe place for kids after school and during the summer. Kids Kitching Programming is offered Monday through Thursday 2:30pm-5:30pm (meal is served at 4:30pm). Go to the 2nd Avenue West entrance of the Damiano Center and ring the doorbell.



Phone
  • 218-722-8708

Web
Address
  • 206 West 4th Street
    Duluth, MN

Email
Elijah’s Pantry

Offering produce (on first Wednesday of month), milk, cheese, meats, canned/dry food. Hours: Wednesday 1pm-5pm



Phone
  • 218-834-4545 (leave message)

Web

Address
  • 709 5th Street Two Harbors, MN 55616

Email
Ely Area Food Shelf

Open third Wednesday of each month from 11am-5pm.

On the third Saturday of each month, shopping is open from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. No shopping number needed on Saturdays.

Home delivery is available for people who are homebound and have no other options for receiving food. You may have someone shop on your behalf or a volunteer will call to help you “shop by phone” and your food will be delivered. Call (218) 235-8527 to register for this program.

Emergency assistance is available during the month by calling (218) 235-8527.



Phone
  • 218-235-8527

Web
Address
  • 15 West Conan Street
    Ely, MN 55731

Email
Finland Community Senior Meals

In collaboration with AEOA, North Shore Area Partners is organizing freshly cooked meals at the Clair Nelson Center, Finland, on the third Monday of each month from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. for persons age 60+. Cost is $4.50 per meal. During the meal, presentations will be offered on a variety of topics. Please contact Stacey, NSAP volunteer coordinator, at 218-353-1391.



Phone
  • 218-353-1391

Web

Address
  • Meals Served at:
    Clair Nelson Center
    6866 Cramer Road
    Finland, MN 55603

Email
Lake County Health and Human Services

  • Health Care-Medical Assistance, Medical Assistance for Employed Persons with Disabilities, Long Term Care, TEFRA, Medicare Savings Program.
  • Mental Health Services-Case Management services for children and adults.
  • Cash Assistance-Minnesota Family Investment Program, Diversionary Work Program, Minnesota Supplemental Aid, General Assistance, Housing Supports (formerly known as Group Residential Housing). Apply for Cash Assistance benefits at https://mnbenefits.mn.gov/
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (formerly known as food stamps and/or food support)-Apply for SNAP benefits at https://mnbenefits.mn.gov/
  • Emergency Programs-Emergency Assistance and Emergency General Assistance. Apply for Emergency Assistance benefits at https://mnbenefits.mn.gov/
  • Car Seat Installations-A certified car seat technician is available to assist you.
  • Child and Teen Check-up-Program for children on Medical Assistance and Minnesota Care. Information is available about good physical health, development and growth, hearing and vision checks and immunizations. Complete physical exams are also available at your local clinic.
  • Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)-May be available to families who are employed, seeking employment, or are in school or training. Apply for CCAP benefits by calling our office, picking up an application or going on-line at https://applymn.dhs.mn.gov.
  • Child Protection-Workers receive reports of possible physical, emotional or sexual abuse and/or neglect and take appropriate action to provide safety for the children.
  • Child Foster Care Services-A licensed, home-like setting for children who are unable to live with their families and need placement on emergency, temporary, long-term or respite basis.
  • Children and Family Services-Voluntary services to help families stay together; provides ongoing case management with individualized plans and assistance for your family’s needs.
  • Family Based Services-Provides parent education and counseling in the family home as an alternative to an out-of-home placement or preparing for a child to return home.
  • Follow Along Program-Babies and children grow and learn at their own rate. Some children need special help to grow up healthy and learn skills such as sitting, walking, or talking. This program is to help determine if this is true for your child.
  • Newborn Home Visits-Visits to a home or in the office by a public health nurse specializing in parent and child health. A visit will include weighing your baby, assessing your baby from head to toe, and providing information on sleep habits, feeding your baby, infant cues, playing with your baby, general baby care. The nurse will also answer any of your questions and direct you to community resources if necessary. If you would like to meet before your baby is born, the nurse will talk to you about making sure you are doing all you can to have a healthy baby. This is a free and confidential service to all Lake County families.
  • Women, Infants and Children (WIC)-Provides supplemental food and nutrition education to eligible pregnant or breastfeeding women and children under age 5.
  • Child Support-Assistance in locating parents, establishing parentage, establishing court orders for child support, medical support, and child care support, reviewing and modifying court orders for child support, medical support and child care support, adjusting court orders based on cost-of-living, enforcing court orders, collecting and processing payments. MN Child Support Online: http://www.childsupport.dhs.state.mn.us/Action/Welcome



Phone
  • 218-834-8400 (Two Harbors office)
  • 218-226-4443 (Silver Bay office)
  • 800-450-8832

Web
Address
  • Two Harbors office:
    616 3rd Avenue
    Two Harbors, MN 55616
  • Silver Bay office:
    Silver Bay Service Center
    99 Edison Blvd.
    Silver Bay, MN 55614

Email
Lake Superior School District #381

  • Alternative Learning Center-Provides individually designed comprehensive, educational services to secondary students. Includes daytime school for both high school and middle school level students. Students must be at-risk as defined by statute. Students served are off-track for graduation and are working towards completing their graduation requirements. If student is still in school, talk to your guidance counselor. If you are out of school, call to make an appointment. Program also offers individuals, ages 16-21, a means to earn credit toward a high school diploma.  This program allows students who are behind in high school credits to make up classes in order to graduate.
  • Community Education-Offers Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE), early childhood screening, a preschool program and childcare. Also offers school readiness, youth development, after school activities, driver education, elementary and junior high athletics, KIDS PLUS, Missoula Children’s Theatre, tutoring, adult basic education, defensive driving, health and safety training, job skills training, Silver Bay Area Community Theatre, community and family events. For Two Harbors information, call 218-834-8201 ext. 8230 or Silver Bay information, call 218-226-4437 ext. 8137.
  • Free and Reduced Meals-Free and reduced meals (breakfast and lunch) may be available to income-eligible families. See website for an application.

 



Phone
  • 218-834-8221 (Minnehaha Elementary)
  • 218-834-8201 (Two Harbors High School)
  • 218-226-4437 (William Kelley School)

Web
Address
  • Minnehaha Elementary
    421 7th Street
    Two Harbors, MN 55616
  • Two Harbors High School
    1640 Highway 2
    Two Harbors, MN 55616
  • William Kelley School
    137 Banks Blvd.
    Silver Bay, MN 55614

Email
Minnesota Food Help Line

If you or someone you know does not have enough food, visit the MN HelpLine to find out if you qualify for SNAP and where to find emergency food assistance close to your home.



Phone

Web
Address

Email
North Shore Area Partners

Services that focus on assisting elders to live independently. Volunteer services include transportation to medical appointments, household and outdoor chores, grocery shopping and frozen Meals On Wheels delivery, friendly visits and check-ins, assistance with paperwork, service coordination and referrals. Offers respite care and support for caregivers. New services include in-home personal care assistance and housekeeping on a sliding scale fee.

Nail Care and Blood Pressure Checks: Offered the third Thursday each month for adults age 60+. Nail care is offered by appointment only. Cost is $15 for toenail trim, $15 for fingernail trim or $20 for both. In-home nail care is also available at $25 Monday through Friday. Call 218-353-1449 to schedule an appointment. Individuals with certain conditions, such as diabetes, may be unable to be seen. Drop in blood pressure checks are offered the same day and are free of charge. Services are offered at North Shore Area Partners, 36 Shopping Center Road, Silver Bay.

North Shore Area Partners also has a medical equipment loan closet. The loan closet is a free public service for people needing personal care items such as walkers, canes, wheelchairs, commodes and smaller pieces. Anyone can use the equipment if it’s available. NSAP’s hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Please call ahead if possible.



Phone
  • (218) 226-3635

Web
Address
  • 36 Shopping Center Road
    Silver Bay, MN 55614

Email
Northern Lakes Food Bank

The BackPack Program-Feeds students in need on weekends and during the summer when school isn’t in session. Children receive a nutritious supply of food at the end of the week.



Phone
  • 218-336-2312
  • 888-727-5653

Web
Address

Email
  • info@northernlakesfoodbank.org
Northwoods Partners

Friendly VisitsVolunteer visits for area seniors who are homebound or alone and who want or need contact with the community. We offer a simple walk in the park with a companion, stories and a laugh with a new friend, or sharing a hobby.   

Transportation   

  • Local Transportation-Volunteer supported program that provides rides to and from local services/events, running errands and local medical appointments. 
  • Long-Distance Rides are specifically provided for medical appointments. Volunteer long-distance drivers are reimbursed by Northwoods Partners miles driven and clients are asked to make a donation to help us to sustain our programs. 
  • Grocery Delivery is available. Set up a store charge account and our volunteers will deliver your groceries right to your home. Groceries are delivered on Wednesdays. 

Exercise Buddy Program A trained volunteer will meet with you weekly in your home to help increase your strength, flexibility, and balance.   

Community Exercise Group–Participants are led through a full body exercise routine that includes both seated and standing exercises.  The program is designed give participants a safe and effective workout that will allow them to increase and maintain their flexibility, stability, and movement.  Meets every Thursday from 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. in the basement of First Lutheran Church. 

Men’s Memories & Movement GroupShare memories, stories, and life experiences over coffee & snacks and conclude each session with movement, light exercises to keep you active and help increase balance, range of motion and strength.  Meets every Wednesday from 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. at the Ely Senior Center. 

Matter of Balance Classes–Eight-week program that helps reduce the fear of falling and increases the activity levels of older adults. 

Tai Ji Quan:  Moving for Better Balance is a balance training regimen designed for older adults and people with balance disorders. TJQMBB is a 12-week progressive learning course where participants learn an adapted 8 form Tai Chi routine that is intended to address common and potentially debilitating movement and balance issues.  

Caregiver Consulting–Caregiver Consultants can provide family caregivers with useful information, skills and tools, as well as help with problem solving.  The consultant’s role includes developing strategies for the caregiver to achieve a balanced lifestyle that allows for both providing care and maintaining their own health.  The consultant will help identify the caregiver’s strengths and needs, develop a personalized caregiving plan with goals.  Along the way, they offer problem solving, coaching, and ongoing support to help the caregiver reach their goals. 

Northwoods Memory Care Program–We help guide you and your family through the stages of Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia by providing resources and consultation to help reduce stress and increase family support. 

Caregiver Support Groups–Provides an opportunity to connect with others, validate each other’s experiences, and ask for advice, find out about useful resources, and safely vent your frustrations. Meets 4th Monday of the month, 10-11:30am, Ely Senior Center.

Aging Mastery Program (AMP)-AMP is a fun and engaging education and behavior change incentive program for aging well. The AMP core curriculum covers 10 topics. The classroom experience is a mix of didactic and interactive learning with an emphasis on peer-to-peer interaction. When they graduate from AMP, participants have set goals for positive actions in many aspects of their lives such as exercise, nutrition, finances, advance care planning, community engagement, and healthy relationships.

Powerful Tools For Caregivers–An evidence-based educational series that is six weeks long and is designed to help unpaid family caregivers take better care of themselves while caring for a relative or family friend. Caregivers learn self-care tools like reducing stress, improving self-confidence, managing time, goal setting, problem solving, communicating their feelings, locating helpful resources, and making tough decisions.

Stay Active and Independent for Life (SAIL)-The SAIL exercise class is a strength, balance, and fitness program for community dwelling older adults that meets two to three times per work for one hour.

ACT on Alzheimer’s–We bring dementia education to Ely in the form of newspaper articles, books, handouts, speakers, and a community conversation series. Check our calendar for upcoming educational opportunities. 

REACH – Resources for Enhancing Alzheimer’s Caregiver Health is an evidence-based caregiver consultation service. This program works one-on-one with caregivers to assess risk, assist with problem solving, provide skill building techniques, manage behavior changes and find time for themselves.  

Caregiver Relief–We coordinate volunteer help for the person who cares for a chronically ill home-bound loved one. 

Volunteer Training–New volunteers receive a one hour, face-to-face orientation that explains our history, services, programs, policies, and procedures.  Additional training may be provided to carry out specific services.  Every quarter, we offer a themed Volunteer Social that provides an opportunity for socializing with other volunteers and continuing education on volunteering. 

Tasty Tuesday-Join us at the Ely Senior Center to learn about healthy recipes, food preparation, and more!  Participation is free and availability is limited. Class is typically the 3rd Tuesday of the month from 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Call Kathleen at 218-302-1778 for more information and to register.



Phone
  • 218-365-8019

Web
Address
  • 328 West Conan Street
    Ely, Minnesota 55731

Email
  • office@northwoodspartners.org
Nutrition Assistance Program for Seniors (NAPS)

A commodity supplemental food program for eligible people over 60 years of age. Pickup at Super One parking lot in Two Harbors and the Mary MacDonald building in Silver Bay. Delivery is the first Monday of the month.



Phone
  • 218-727-5653, ext. 112 (Two Harbors residents)
  • 218-226-3048 (Silver Bay residents)

Web

Address

Email
Ruby’s Pantry

Hosted by Bay Area Vineyard Church, Silver Bay. Distribution is the third Saturday of the month, in the gymnasium, from 10:30am-12pm. No income or residency requirement. Share donation of $25 cash, no checks. If you can only pay a portion of the donation, a church may cover the rest. Bring bags, baskets and coolers. Organic and gluten-free items may be available. You will receive an abundance of grocery items!



Phone
  • 651-674-0009

Web
Address
  • 99 Edison Blvd.
    Silver Bay, MN 55614

Email
Silver Bay Area Food Shelf

Hours: Monday-Friday 9am-3pm



Phone
  • 218-226-4443

Web

Address
  • Lake County Service Center 99 Edison Boulevard Silver Bay, MN 55614

Email
Two Harbors Area Food Shelf

Provides a variety of food items to low-income individuals in Lake and St. Louis County. Emergency boxes of food are available Monday through Thursday by calling 218-391-8191 to schedule an appointment pick-up time.

  • Food shelf distribution hours: Tuesdays 10am-3:45pm
  • Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 9am-5pm



Phone
  • 218-391-8191

Web
Address
  • 2124 10th Street (AEOA building)
    Two Harbors, MN 55616

Email
  • thafs2015@gmail.com
Union Gospel Mission

Lunch: Monday through Friday, 12pm-1pm

Dinner: Monday through Thursday, 4:30pm-5:30pm



Phone
  • 218-722-1196

Web
Address
  • 219 East 1st Street
    Duluth, MN 55802

Email
United Church

On the third Friday of every month, a free dinner is served from 5pm-6:30pm.



Phone

Web

Address
  • 531 3rd Avenue Two Harbors, MN 55616

Email