Newsletter

September 2026

Join us for our Mixer with a Mission on Wednesday, October 21 and see what’s new at Valley Outreach!

Experience a wine tasting (including non-alcoholic options), followed by one complimentary beverage of your choice. Savor delicious bites, sweet treats, and hands-on activities that bring the Valley Outreach mission to life.

Come connect with friends, explore what’s new at Valley Outreach, and get a firsthand look at how we’re continuing to make a difference in the community.

Date: Wednesday, Oct. 21

Time: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Location: Valley Outreach, 1911 Curve Crest Blvd. W., Stillwater, MN 55082

Tickets: $100 per person

Buy Tickets

StyleXchange Repurpose Program:
Giving Clothing a Third Life

At StyleXchange, sustainability is more than giving gently used clothing a second life. It’s about the people who donate, shop, and find new possibilities in clothing that still has more to give. It’s also about finding ways to keep clothing in use for as long as possible and reducing textile waste.

Our new StyleXchange Repurpose Program puts that commitment to sustainability into action by giving clothing another purpose when we can no longer sell or distribute it.

More Than a Food Shelf: Rachel’s Story of Connection and Community

Rachel Nelson doesn’t come to Valley Outreach only for herself. She helps friends make appointments. She coordinates rides. And when someone isn’t sure what to expect, Rachel encourages them to take that first step.

“I’m kind of a coordinator and promoter,” she says with a laugh. Rachel first came to Valley Outreach about four years ago after seeing a neighbor return home with a wagon filled with food and other essentials.

“Hey, where did you go? Can I go?” Rachel remembers asking. That simple question opened the door to Valley Outreach. Today, Rachel is helping hold that door open for others.

Save Food, Spend Less Challenge

This October, Valley Outreach is participating in the Save Food, Spend Less Challenge.

Food is an important resource, and making the most of what we have can help stretch grocery budgets, reduce waste and strengthen our community. Throughout October, the challenge offers simple, practical ways to build new habits, from planning meals and shopping intentionally to storing food so it lasts longer and finding creative ways to use what you already have.

At Valley Outreach, we see every day how powerful it can be when people have the resources, information and support they need to make choices that work for their households.

September Donation Need of the Month: School Snacks

Back-to-school season is here, and this month we’re collecting easy, kid-friendly snacks to help keep students fueled throughout the school day.

Donated snacks are distributed both through our food shelf and directly to students in the Stillwater Area School District through our school partnership program.

This month, consider donating individually packaged, shelf-stable snacks such as:

Fruit cups or applesauce
Crackers or pretzels
Granola or snack bars (nut-free)
Fruit leather
Popcorn
Raisins or dried fruit
Other grab-and-go snacks

Learn More

Upcoming Closures

Annual Inventory Closures

To complete our annual inventory efficiently and accurately, the following programs and services will be temporarily closed:

Clothing Donations: Closed Monday, Sept. 21 through Tuesday, Sept. 29. Food donations will remain open during this time.
All Programs & Donations: Closed Monday, Sept. 28 and Tuesday, Sept. 29.

Valley Outreach Story

“I was referred to this place by friend and I am so thankful for Velley Outreach. They have fresh foods & canned food with some essential products. I have had a great experience and they have the nicest staff there"
- Valley Outreach Shopper