August 2026

Dear Friend of FiN,

With summer winding down, things at FiN are heating up. August will be a busy month as we assemble and distribute back packs filled with the tools kids need to start their school year ready for success. We are collecting school supplies through August 7. Distribution to children living in St. Paul Park, Newport, Cottage Grove, and Grey Cloud Island will take place on August 13th. Last year we handed out over 400 back packs and expect to distribute the same, if not more, this year.

In addition, FiN will be at both Pioneer Day in Newport on August 8th and Heritage Days in St. Paul Park on August 15th. We are partnering with animal rescue organizations for both of these events. Stop by our booth to meet some furry friends in need and learn how you can help FiN in our mission to end hunger in our community. Last, but not least, we will be at the So. 61Cruzrs Cars in the Park Car Show on August 5th, on August 18th will participate in a Public Health and Safety Celebration in Cottage Grove, and host a 'Coffee's On' event for Cottage Grove Chamber of Commerce members on August 28th.

But most importantly, on August 3rd we will celebrate our FiN-tastic volunteers at an annual dinner to recognize their contributions. We definitely could not do it without them!

You, too, are critical to our success. We appreciate the support of the community and thank everyone for their donations to our cause. You really do make a difference!

With gratitude,

Crystal Schneider

Executive Director

The Giving Garden

Now in its 16th year of giving, the Newport Community Garden, the brainchild of volunteers from Newport on the Move, continues the tradition of providing fresh, nutritional produce to FiN. Every year between six and eight dedicated individuals - many whom are also FiN volunteers - donate their time to raise vegetables and herbs to bring to FiN, supplementing the produce we buy wholesale. Thanks to the city of Newport, the garden has been at its present location on the corner of 4^th Avenue and 15^th Street since summer 2017. Approximately two-thirds of the site, dubbed 'The Giving Garden', is where the produce to be given to FiN is grown. Since planting the first seed through the end of last year, the garden has donated 26,421 pounds to be distributed to households in need. The amount of produce grown and donated per year varies, depending largely on the weather, as well as the presence of plant diseases and pests. In 2024 after a very cold, wet spring, the garden experienced one of the lowest yields at only 1,112 lbs.The following year was warm well into the fall with good rainfall, and the harvest was the largest crop in the Garden’s history at 3,198 lbs. This year's crop has already been fruitful, with donations rolling in over the past few weeks. The selection of fresh produce available to our clients is a wonderful addition to our offerings.

What is grown in the Giving Garden has varied as the gardeners frequently try new varieties they think FiN clients would appreciate. Client's have even been surveyed for input as to what types of produce they would like to receive. This year’s list includes tomatoes, beans, green and fresh onions, cucumbers, several varieties of hot peppers, beets, collards, kale, amaranth, tomatillos, eggplant, rhubarb, lemon grass, okra, and herbs including cilantro, basil, thyme and oregano.

The Garden is always looking for people who can help; volunteers don’t need to have any gardening experience, just a willingness to learn and work. Our clients appreciate this access to fresh, home-grown items and FiN REALLY appreciates the generosity of the great Giving Garden gardeners.

If interested in becoming a Giving Garden volunteer, click here for more information.

Commmunity Garden Volunteer Opportunity



Click on Link for Video to see the gardeners in action.

Newport Community Garden



TEAMING UP WITH SOME FURRY FRIENDS IN NEED!

Community events provide a great way for FiN to spread our mission of ending hunger in our neighborhoods. With an estimated one in five Minnesota households experiencing food insecurity¹, the more support we receive, the more people we can help. Currently providing food and other goods to those in need from all over the Twin Cities, we are supporting almost 15,000 household visits each year. Stop by our booth at Newport Pioneer Day (August 8) and St. Paul Park Heritage Day (August 15) to learn more about our mission, our operations, and how you can help.

FiN won't be the only ones in need at our booth. We will be visited by some furry friends in need at each of the events. Stop by to see some adorable, adoptable dogs from Humble Hounds on 8/8 and Coco's Heart Dog Rescue on 8/15. Bring your donations of much needed items or cash and you will be helping both FiN and our furry friends in need! (See below) While you are there enter our drawing for a $50 Tinucci's gift card. One will be given away following each event.

¹ 2025 Statewide Hunger Study conducted by Second Harvest Heartland-Midwest in partnership with Wilder Research

'Fill the Back Pack' Drive Tradition Continues

It all began back in 1993, when FiN held its first 'Fill the Back Pack' drive to send kids back to school with the supplies they need to succeed. We are still collecting school supplies and ask those who are able to donate needed items to help us fill the backpacks! Donations can be dropped off at 535 4th Street, St. Paul Park up until August 7th. If outside of business hours, donations can be put in blue bin in the rear of the building. Items can also be ordered and delivered directly to us through our Amazon Wishlist or Walmart Most Needed List.

We will be distributing grade-appropriate, filled back packs to children from St. Paul Park, Newport, Cottage Grove and Grey Cloud Island on August 13 from 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Last year we distributed over 400 backpacks and anticipate the same - or more - for this year. Your contributions can help us prepare kids in our community for a great 'Back to School' in the fall!

Ten Years Ago

• FiN provided support to almost 7,000 households per year.
• Donations allowed FiN to spend $22 per household member, per visit. In today's dollars, the equivelant would be $30.15.
• Clients received an average of 27 pounds of food and goods per household member, per visit.

Today



• FiN provides support to almost 15,000 households per year - more than double than a decade ago.
• Donations allow FiN to spend only $13 per household member, per visit.
• Clients receive an average of 18 pounds of food and goods per household member, per visit - one-third less than a decade ago.

The need has grown and, with inflation, funding has not kept pace.

Thank you for your support of FiN! Every little bit helps as we work to lower the number of households experiencing food insecurity! We couldn't do it without you!

After retiring from a 40+ year career at 3M on September 1, 2020, Mike was looking for a way to remain engaged and connected with others in the community. Mike and his wife, Cindy, had been long-time supporters of FiN, so when he stopped by to make a contribution he decided to ask about volunteer opportunities. His training began that very day! Mike is grateful for the FiN friendships he has developed over the years and continues to be amazed by the dedication of his fellow volunteers. Mike enjoys his role, which keeps him active, providing a weekly opportunity to get a bit of extra exercise. One of his favorite tasks is picking up donuts from SuperMoms Bakery every Tuesday morning before he comes in, because he knows everyone at FiN will be glad to see him!

At FiN, we are always happy to see Mike and super glad he is part of our FiN-tastic team! Thank you, Mike, for your continued generosity and efforts toward helping us fight hunger in our community!



Dining to Make A Difference!

Don't forget to see if your company matches donations!

Out and About

This summer, FiN will be out in the community as we gather donations at a variety of events. We encourage you to drop by and learn firsthand the profound impact your involvement can have in our mission to eradicate hunger in our neighborhoods. Together, we can make a difference—remember, every contribution, no matter how small, is vital to providing support for families grappling with food insecurity. We look forward to sharing our meaningful work with you while you enjoy the fun and camaraderie of summer events in our communities. Let’s come together, have fun, and create positive change! Bring your donations of non-perishable food items, toiletries, paper goods, or cash/check to the FiN booth at the following events:

• So. 60 CRUZRS 'Cars in the Park' - Veterans Memorial Park, St. Paul Park, August 5. 4:00 - 6:30 p.m.
• Pioneer Day - Newport's Pioneer Park, August 8
• Heritage Day's - St. Paul Park, August 15
• Washington County Public Health and Safety Summer Celebration, Hemingway Avenue So. cul-de-sac area between Hinton Heights and The Groves, August 18
• St. Paul Park Farmer's Market - St. Paul Park City Hall, October 6

• Serving clients in South Washington County with a focus on Cottage Grove, St. Paul Park, Newport, and Grey Cloud Island. However, our clients come from all over the Twin Cities Metro. We turn no eligible person in need away!
• We are 99% volunteer operated, with over 125 individuals donating their time each week in service to the community.
• More than 50% of our operating budget comes from community donations and grants.

Supporting the community with

community support since 1992!

Location:

535 4th Street

Saint Paul Park, MN 55071

Phone:

(651) 458-0730

Mailing address:

P.O. Box 6

Cottage Grove, MN 55016

Volunteering at FiN is flexible and fun!

Join our team of FiN-tastic volunteers and sign up for shifts at your convenience. FiN uses the VicNet mobile app for volunteer scheduling. You can choose to volunteer when you want and select from any available open position. If something comes up, simply use VicNet to take yourself off the schedule.

It takes over 125 volunteers each week to allow FiN to deliver an outstanding client experience. New volunteers are always needed and always welcome!