Food pantries help people make ends meet

In addition to the Salvation Army food shelf, there are at least two other nonprofit agencies that come to Cloquet each month to help people access a little more food at a significantly lower cost than they would pay in a grocery store.

Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank sends its mobile food pantry to Cloquet on the third Thursday of each month. Access to this program is dependent on income level, although emergency situations also apply (as does going unpaid, in case there’s another government shutdown). Food is distributed in the parking lot of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 615 12th St. in Cloquet, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. the third Thursday (Feb. 21, this month). Bring boxes or containers to carry food.

Anyone can stretch their food dollars with Ruby’s Pantry — there’s no paperwork required. On the fourth Wednesday of every month, Ruby’s Pantry provides an abundant amount of food for a $20 donation. This month Ruby’s Pantry will come to Cloquet on Feb. 27.

The doors open at 10 a.m. at the Cloquet Armory and all are welcome to participate, no questions asked. Last shares are distributed at 11:30 a.m.

To preregister for a certain pickup time frame, go to https://www.rubyspantry.org/product/cloquet-mn/.

Any questions, please call Sheila at 218-878-0442.