Community Food & Nutrition | Aitkin County SHIP

Watch this one minute video clip highlighting the Food Drive Toolkit

To take the guesswork out how to organize a food drive, we have created a toolkit for you to use. The toolkit includes the following

Information on Food Shelves located in Aitkin County
List of recommended food donations
Recipe cards (Want to help donate food items to help those who are in need to create a meal? Shop for food items listed on a recipe card and include it in your donation!)

Download Food Drive Toolkit

To take the guesswork out of how to organize a food drive, we have created a toolkit for you to use. The toolkit includes the following:

Information on Food Shelves located in Aitkin County
List of recommended food donations
Recipe cards (Want to help donate food items to help those who are in need to create a meal? Shop for food items listed on a recipe card and include it in your donation!)

Download Food Drive Toolkit

Food Drive Toolkit

Food shelves rely on the generosity from our community to serve families in need year-round. Whether you’re donating money or food, each gift helps us fight hunger a little more.

While fresh foods are an important part of the food we provide, non-perishables are also needed and easy for you to donate. Food shelves can make the most of your non-perishable food donation when you consider three things: nutrition, usefulness, and quality vs. quantity.

While all donations are important and appreciated, Aitkin County Public Health and the Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP) program encourages the public to choose healthy, nutrient-packed donations from the list above over highly processed, boxed foods like little Debbie snacks and ramen noodles.

Download Food Donation Toolkit

Food Donation Toolkit

Cinnamon French toast

Download Recipe

Resources

Download 14 Day Emergency Meal Kit

Download Enhanced 2 Week Menu Kit

Download PDF

14 Day Emergency Meal Kit Guide

University of Minnesota Extension

This model is intended to allow community members, churches, nonprofit organizations, or others to work with small town grocery stores to purchase kits from grocery stores while minimizing contact among members of the public. These meal kits will allow communities to help each other while also supporting local businesses that serve as a critical resource during times of crisis.

COVID-19 Food Assistance

Aitkin County Public Health

Aitkin County Public Health as compiled a list of Food Assistance as a resource for those who are in need.

Enhanced 2 Week Menu Kit

University of Minnesota Extension

Designed for two people that meets basic nutrition needs including calories, protein, vitamin C, and fiber. Can also be easily adapted for four people. Kit includes a shopping list, simple to use recipes that allow you to cook once and eat twice with leftovers, and 2 menu plans!

Nutrition Support for Anxiety & Mental Health

Kelly Jones, MS, RD, CSSD, LDN

Good nutrition isn’t the magic pill to cure all mental illness, but it can contribute to improvements in symptoms and help you manage your mood on a more regular basis.

List of Food Shelves in Aitkin County

Aitkin County Public Health

Aitkin County Public Health as compiled a list of Food Shelves in Aitkin County which includes hours, contact information, and details regarding donations to the food shelf.

Wellness Resources

Hannah Colby, RD, LD, CLS

Looking for ideas on how to stay active and fit, or how to support your health with nutrition? Look no further for this document has many good resources listed of where you can start!

Resources for Farmers' Markets & Vendors

Guidance for Minnesota Farmers' Markets & Vendors

Markets are also encouraged to do drive throughs, follow 6-feet social distancing, and promote handwashing.