In two small towns in Beltrami County, members of the communities have stepped up to the plate to open new food shelves to help their neighbors in need. Near the end of 2024, the Bemidji Community Food Shelf announced that it would no longer be able to continue running its mobile food drop each month in the Blackduck and Kelliher communities. Knowing that the need was still there, North Country Food Bank opted to fill in.
North Country started bring food for mobile drops each month while simultaneously working with the volunteers involved to brainstorm opening permanent food shelves there. This helps increase accessibility for those who need the food - a food shelf can be open more than one day a month - and is more sustainable long term. Town Hall meetings were held in each community to answer questions from the public and to outline what it would take to open a food shelf. A space, equipment, funds, and some additional volunteers later and both communities have now opened up new food shelves!
The Kelliher Area Food Shelf opened its doors at the end of August 2025, and has seen an average of 43 individual households each month. The Census population for Kelliher, MN zip code is 771. You'll find this new food shelf in the former church behind Village One Stop; 147 Main St W. This small church, with beautiful stained-glass windows, is now stocked with shelves and fridges and freezers with plenty of wholesome food for anyone in the area who needs it. Energy fills the building every second and fourth Wednesday of the month, while grocery bags and boxes get filled with food.
- To donate funds to the Kelliher Area Food Shelf, please send checks to Laura Nelson (Treasurer), 695 4th St NW, Kelliher, MN 56650. Make payable to: Kelliher Area Food Shelf.
- To donate food, please drop off donations during open hours or by appointment.
- With questions or to volunteer, please contact Tari Nelson at 218-556-7624.
- You can also find them on Facebook; search "Kelliher Area Food Shelf".
- Hours: 2nd Wednesday 3:00-5:00 PM. 4th Wednesday 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM.
Moving slightly south, the Blackduck Food Shelf will officially open on November 25th, 2025. Much work has already taken place to secure a location, funding, shelving and equipment like fridges and freezers, and get everything lined up! To become a food shelf with North Country Food Bank, partner agencies must have a valid 501(3)c and a fiscal sponsor, a clean space, and a dedicated community to support it. The Blackduck Food Shelf thankfully has all of this!
This year, there have been an average of 65 households attending the mobile food drops in Blackduck, with a local population of about 850. Having a local food shelf open will allow folks who need food to have better access to it and more availability. The Blackduck Food Shelf plans to be open every two weeks. Right now they've got about 15 volunteers involved, ready to serve their neighbors!
The Blackduck Food Shelf is located within the Blackduck Evangelical Free Church at 241 Oscar Ave.
- To donate funds to the Blackduck Food Shelf, please send checks to Steve Addler, 25121 Everts Rd, Tenstrike, MN 56683. Make payable to: Blackduck Food Shelf.
- To donate food, please drop off donations during open hours or when the Blackduck Evangelical Free Church is open.
- With questions or to volunteer, please send a message to their Facebook page or drop by during open hours.
- You can also find them on Facebook; search "Blackduck Food Shelf".
- Hours: 2nd Tuesday 10:00 AM-12:00 PM. 4th Tuesday 3:00-5:00 PM.
