Big Lake Community Food Shelf operates as a choice model food shelf, which means clients get to select foods their families eat and know how to prepare. Food shelves have found this model best serves their clients’ needs, and cuts down on wasted food. On average, clients take home 50 pounds of food per person in the family during a visit. This consists of a combination of fresh vegetables, fruits, meat, milk, and other perishable and nonperishable items. How much a client can take depends on his or her family size, and availability.

Our cooking classes are provided during the summer.  These classes are intended to empower people to eat healthier and make the best use of their food resources.  The classes are set up in a take and bake style.  You get to come to class, learn new cooking skills and techniques, then bring your delicious meal home for everyone to enjoy.   Check our events page and Facebook to learn when our next class will be held!

Throughout the year, Big Lake Community Food Shelf offers special meals to help families get through hard seasons. During the summer, when school is out, we offer our Summer Kidz Kitz. These kits are filled with kid-friendly, nutritious, easy to fix food. During Thanksgiving and Christmas, we offer families Holiday Meal Bags filled with traditional holiday food items and Coborn’s vouchers for meat, dairy and produce. Have a child’s birthday coming up and can’t afford a gift or party? We’ve got you covered with our Birthday Bags! During the summer and fall, we offer free fresh produce to the community through our Free Produce Days program.  Check our events page and Facebook to learn what seasonal extras are being offered!