The St. Kate's/CSJ Food Access Hub

Addressing Food Insecurity, Nutrition, and Personal Wellness Needs

The St. Kate's Food Access Hub is a collaborative project between St. Kate’s and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet serving the St. Kate’s community without distinction. Our food system prioritizes health equity, cultural inclusivity, environmental sustainability, care, and compassion. 

We serve St. Kate’s community members collaboratively through partnerships with the community gardens, educational departments, and other community organizations. Faculty and staff members who make the food shelf function do so on a volunteer basis, guided by student workers. 

To support members of the St. Kate’s community who may be facing food insecurity, the Center for Spirituality and Social Justice partners with faculty, staff, and the CSJ community from across the University to run and supply the St. Kate’s/CSJ food shelf. Thanks to our community partners and the Sisters of St. Joseph for providing us with the space, donations, and support in fighting food insecurity. 

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please email foodshelf@stkate.edu.

Fresh organic produce from the CSJ community garden is donated to the food shelf.

How to Use the Food Shelf

Any St. Kate’s community member is welcome to use the food shelf, and create a bag of groceries that serves their needs. We offer fresh fruits and vegetables, breads, and an assortment of other foods that will provide a balanced diet.

The food shelf is open on the first and third Wednesday of every month during the school year. During summer 2024, the Food Shelf will be open on June 19th, July 17th, and August 21st. All Food Shelf Days will be from 12-6 p.m. and is located in the , on the CSJ campus across from The O'Shaughnessy.

If the food shelf's open hours do not accommodate your availability, please reach out to foodshelf@stkate.edu to arrange a pick-up time that works with your schedule.

Opportunities for Engagement

Volunteer sign up!

We are seeking volunteer support for the first and third Wednesdays of each month (except June, July, and August,  only third Wednesday) from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The actual food shelf service hours are noon to 6 p.m.

We also need assistance with food delivery stocking on the second and fourth Tuesdays. 

If you have an additional bilingual skill in Spanish, Hmong, ASL or Somali, your assistance is very much needed. You will be provided with additional orientation and training.  

All who are interested in helping may fill out the online interest form.

Please contact Deb Sheats with any questions you may have.

Join us in the Garden!

Come join us in the Garden from late May – October, Tuesdays, 5 – 7 p.m.  Gather and tend to the Garden and harvest the Garden when ready. Contact jtacheny@csjstpaul.org with any questions, concerns, or suggestions.

Intern with us!

or in these positions in the past.


Partnerships

Food banks

Second Harvest Heartland
The Food Group

Local partnerships

Twin Cities Food Justice
The Breadsmith
Kitchen Coalition

Food Recovery

University dining, catering, and marketplace
Carondelet Center Catering
Herbivorous Butcher 

Gardens

Celeste’s Dream Community Gardens
St. Kate’s Community Gardens
Local Community Gardeners
Tacheny Farm
Highland Catholic Gardens

Community Donations

St. Kate’s Holiday Party, CDH


Donor Information

If you are interested in supporting the St. Kate's food shelf, please email us at foodshelf@stkate.edu. Your donation will go directly to the fight against food insecurity in the St. Kate's community. While we appreciate all donations, monetary contributions are especially appreciated. For every dollar donated we are able to purchase $4.00-5.00 worth of food/personal care items.

Students, did you know that your meal points can go directly to helping the St. Kate's Food Shelf? Donate your extra meal points at the end of the semester. To learn more please talk to your Sodexo representative or reach out to foodshelf@stkate.edu.


FAQ

Can I come to the food shelf?
All members of the St. Kate’s Community are invited to visit the food shelf and we welcome all without distinction.
Do I need to bring anything with me?
Make sure to please bring your St. Kate's ID or make sure to join your St. Kate's Community Member at the Food Shelf.
How do I get to the food shelf?
The St. Kate's food shelf is in the southwestern corner of Carondelet Center, located behind the O'Shaughnessy Auditorium. Enter through the doors facing Fairview Avenue.
Who is eligible?
Anyone who identifies as food insecure is eligible. No other documentation is required.
What food is available at the food shelf?
Though our stock is subject to change, we typically offer non-perishables, fresh produce from the community garden and local co-ops, and personal care items.

For other food resources, visit Access and Success

Tell us how we’re doing — feedback, comments, and any insight is appreciated.