VEAP

09/07/2026

09/04/2026

August was Youth Volunteer Appreciation Month! 🌟💚

We spent the month celebrating the amazing young people who gave their time to VEAP—stocking shelves, sorting donations, helping with special projects, and bringing plenty of energy and enthusiasm along the way!

We celebrated with ice cream treats and gift card raffles as a small way to say thank you. 🍦🎉

To every youth volunteer who lent a hand this summer: thank you for showing up with kindness, energy, and big hearts!

Interested in volunteering with VEAP? Learn more: https://veap.org/volunteer/become-a-volunteer/

Take a look at some of the youth volunteers who joined us this month!

09/03/2026

A Meal That Gives Back 🥗

We’re thrilled to partner with Sweetgreen as they celebrate the grand opening of their new location at Mall of America!

Ahead of the opening, Sweetgreen is hosting a special Tasting Preview on September 4 and 5, giving VEAP and our community a chance to get a taste of what’s to come.

Then, on Tuesday, September 8, Sweetgreen will donate a prepared meal to VEAP for every meal purchased on opening day—helping nourish people across the Twin Cities experiencing food insecurity.

Tasting Preview: September 4 & 5
Grand Opening: Tuesday, September 8
Find event details here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sweetgreen-mall-of-america-soft-opening-tickets-1997088605780

We’re excited to celebrate this new partnership with Sweetgreen and our community—and enjoy a meal that gives back!

08/31/2026

A little back-to-school magic showed up at VEAP last Friday! 🎒✏️💚

We had a surprise visit from Tommie, the University of St. Thomas mascot, who stopped by to drop off school supplies collected during the Tommies’ first home football game. Talk about perfect timing—these supplies arrived just in time for the first day of school!

A huge thank you to every St. Thomas student who donated and helped make the drive a success. We love seeing students supporting students and helping local kids start the school year with the supplies they need. 📚

08/28/2026

Please note, VEAP's mobile pantry this afternoon at Dar-al-Farooq Mosque is cancelled. Thank you!

08/26/2026

Three photos, three great examples of what community support looks like at VEAP!

📦 A family connection: Our Finance Director’s son stopped by with a donation collected through his workplace at Medtronic. We love seeing VEAP support extend into workplaces and families!

🎂 A little birthday joy: The ladies at Point of France hosted a Doing Good event and packed 80 birthday bags for families celebrating a child’s birthday. Each bag helps make a special day a little brighter.

🛒 Pantry teamwork: The Thermo King team joined us in the pantry to help stock shelves and get food ready for the 150+ pantry appointments we see on an average day.

Different groups, different ways to pitch in—and all helping keep our pantry stocked and welcoming for our neighbors. We love seeing the many ways our community shows up for VEAP! 💚

08/21/2026

Looking for a fun way to support VEAP? Consider donating an item, experience, or service to the silent auction at this year’s A Place at the Table gala! 🎉

VEAP’s largest fundraising event of the year brings together hundreds of generous community members, and the silent auction is always a favorite part of the evening.

Do you have a product, gift basket, tickets, professional service, or unique experience to share? Your donation helps raise critical funds to support access to healthy food, housing stability, and supportive services for our community.

All donations are tax-deductible, and your generosity will be recognized during the event.

Learn more and submit your donation here: https://veap.org/blog/call-to-action/support-2026-silent-auction/

08/20/2026

We loved having the Rotary Club of Edina volunteers in the VEAP pantry earlier this month! 💚 Thank you for giving your time, lending a hand, and helping keep things moving for our pantry shoppers. We appreciate your service and partnership with VEAP!

Making a difference, one act of service at a time.

These Edina Club Rotarians gave back through volunteer service at VEAP Food Pantry. Thank you for helping strengthen our community!💙💚

08/17/2026

We’re excited to welcome two new Vice Presidents to the VEAP team! 🎉

Please join us in giving a warm VEAP welcome to:

✨ April Rog – Vice President of Program Strategy & Impact
✨ Nell Holden – Vice President of Operations

We’re looking forward to the experience, leadership, and fresh perspectives they bring to VEAP as we continue strengthening our programs and supporting our community.

Take a moment to learn more about April and Nell:
https://veap.org/blog/staff/announcing-veap-vice-presidents/