Bemidji Community Food Shelf Adds Evening Hours Starting April 6

The Bemidji Community Food Shelf served 41,576 individuals and distributed 891,576 pounds of food in 2025. Starting Monday, April 6, the organization at 1260 Exchange Avenue SE will open from 5 to 7 p.m. on the first Monday of each month, in addition to its regular daytime schedule.

"As the need for food support continues to grow, we are committed to making our services as accessible as possible," the food shelf said in a release. "Extended hours will continue on the first Monday of each month until further notice."

Regular hours remain Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The new evening block creates a monthly access point for those who cannot leave work during the day. The food shelf serves residents of Beltrami County and the Bemidji School District.

The 2025 figures also include 13,063 total visits supported by 736 donors. The food shelf purchases two-thirds of what it distributes, stretching every donated dollar to about $4 in food through its partner network.

April 6 also closes out FoodShare Month, which runs through that date. Donations made during the window are partially matched by the Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches.

Founded in 1982 and now in its 43rd year, the food shelf recently renovated its main entrance with help from Zetah Construction, making it "much more welcoming and safe for our community."

Call (218) 444-6580 or visit bcfsmn.org for more information.