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Meals on Wheels of Ramsey County

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Monthly Resource Updates

Energy Assistance & Food Assistance Updates

    ENERGY ASSISTANCE - Community Action Program of Ramsey and Washington County

    • Energy Assistance 

      • Website:  caprw.org.  Main phone number: 651-645-6470

      • Cold Weather Rule - Xcel not disconnecting services for gas and electricity. But if you are in an apartment, utility can still be shut off.

      • Also pays water bills up to $300 per year if done directly through St. Paul Water Works. Per calendar year. Resets in January.

      • Do not currently have funds - not sure when they will be allocated due to gov. shutdown. They are just processing applications,however..

    • Furnace repair assistance - homeowner needs to apply. Same energy assistance application, just let them know that the furnace needs repair. Will also work with Mobile Homes.


    • Power On!  EnergyCents Coalition has the Power On application on their website and it is a very easy application.  

      • Website: www.energycents.org. The phone number is: 651-774-9010.

      • Referring to PowerOn - had to have been approved by energy assistance last year. If all the way disconnected, and they see that you have applied, and would be approved by energy assistance, they will assist


    SNAP - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Updates

    • Due to a lack of funding caused by the federal government shutdown, SNAP and MFIP food benefits will not be issued for November until the shutdown ends or we receive further guidance from the federal government. 



    • As of 10-27-25: Governor Walz will be providing $4 million in emergency state funding to MN food shelves to help with needs through gov. Shutdown




    THANKSGIVING GROCERY AND MEAL RESOURCES

    • Union Gospel Mission

      • Thanksgiving Basket Distribution: Registration is already full this year. 

      • Thanksgiving Meal On Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 27th from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Annual Thanksgiving dinner for the community. The meal will take place at the Men’s Campus: 435 University Ave. E, St. Paul, MN. This event is open to anyone in the community in need of a meal. All are welcome.


    • Fare for All offers discounted grocery packs for $35 and produce-only packs for $10. For more information, call 763-450-386. Upcoming Ramsey County location:  White Bear Lake-Community of Grace, 4000 Linden St., White Bear Lake, MN 55110 - Friday, Nov. 7, 1-3pm


    • FOCUS Minnesota at 550 Rice Street, Saint Paul, is offering Thanksgiving groceries at their Food Shelf on Saturday, November 22, 10:00-11:30 am to the first 100 and a prepared Thanksgiving Dinner on Sunday, November 23, from 5:00pm-until they run out of food. Open to anyone in need. For more information: (651) 222-0712.


    • White Bear Area Food Shelf - Give a Gobble

      • Every year local businesses and neighbors come together to provide turkeys and all the essentials needed to prepare a traditional Thanksgiving feast. This year's meal kit includes: Turkey, Potatoes, Onions, Carrots, Cream of Mushroom Soup, Canned Green Beans, Milk, Gravy Mix Packet, Cranberry Jelly, Dinner Rolls, and a Pumpkin Pie! 

      • Pick up dates:

        • November 24, 11:00AM - 5:00PM

        • November 25, 10:00AM - 4:00PM

      • Pre-Registration online is required. The registration link will open Monday, November 10 at 10:00AM. Please check the website for pre-registration link: https://whitebearfoodshelf.org/2025/11/give-a-gobble-2025/

      • Or call 651-407-5310 for the latest information.


    • Saint Andrew’s Community Resource Center has a FREE community meal every Thursday @ 6 pm, BUT NOT on Thanksgiving Day. Vouchers for Thanksgiving grocery giveaway have already been given away. 


    ADDITIONAL FOOD RESOURCE UPDATES for November

    • Keystone Community Food Center, 1800 University Ave, St. Paul, will be closed Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 27, and Nov. 28.  Their regular food shelf hours are Mon-Fri 10-12 and 2-4, except Wed 11-1 and 4-6pm. Keystone also offers mobile markets and grocery delivery to select neighborhoods in St. Paul. Call 651-917-3792  for more information.


    • Loaves & Fishes offers dinner meals. Click on each location for more information or to volunteer. 

    St. Matthew's Catholic Church: 

    510 Hall Ave., St.Paul, Monday-Friday: 5:00 to 6:00 PM

    No meal service on Thanksgiving or Friday after

    422 Dorothy Day Place, Every day: 4:30 to 5:15 PM 

    2708 33rd Ave. N, 2nd Thursday: 5:00 to 6:00 PM, in-person meal


    • Merrick Community Services Food Shelf serves residents of the East Side of St. Paul and Maplewood. Located at Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church, 1669 Arcade St. N, St. Paul with both drive-thru and in-person shopping. There will be no Thanksgiving baskets this year but the food shelf will be open normal hours on Monday-Wednesday and closed on Thanksgiving Day and Friday. Call 651-287-2088.

    1669 Arcade St, St. Paul

    Drive Through Only Hours, Door 2A: Mondays 3-5pm and Tuesdays 10-noon

    In Person Shopping Only Hours, Door 3: Wednesday’s 10-Noon

     Closed Thanksgiving Thurs. & Fri. 11/27-11-28


    Monday – Friday 12pm – 6pm and Saturday 10:00am – 1:00pm

    The market is open to anyone in need of food and is designed to provide a 1-2 day supply of food during each visit. Households are welcome to shop as often as needed.


    NEW Transportation Options and more...

      Phone: 651-602-1111 Operates extended hours 7 days/week, check website for your community’s hrs.

      Services: Shared door-through-door accessible rides for those certified with a disability or health condition that prevents them from being able to drive or use regular fixed-route buses. A completed application, signed by a medical provider, must be submitted at least 30 days prior to using services. Applications are available on the website. Riders may be accompanied by a personal care attendant/caregiver. 


      NEW Premium On-Demand Program (POD) - Metro Mobility riders can now also book personal rides (not shared) through premium on-demand paratransit and assisted mobility rides with Transportation Plus (www.tplusride.com/) or by calling 612-888-8888, Carepool (www.carepool.us) at 612-284-5204, and UZURV (https://uzurv.com/metro-mobility-ride/) at 612-473-4115. These providers can accommodate wheelchairs, scooters, and service animals. Metro Mobility pays $20 and you pay $5.00 and any additional amount over the first $25. If you have questions about the Premium On-Demand (POD) program, contact Metro Mobility Service Center at 651-602-1111 or email: metromobility@metc.state.mn.us.


      Phone: 612-373-3333 Transit Information Center Transit Experts provide information about routes, schedules and fares M-F 6:30am-8pm & Sat 8am-4:30pm. Or Text 612-444-1161 for transit information.

      Services: Fixed route bus & light rail discounts, route help & schedule information.


      NEW Metro micro – Book a door-to-door shared ride anywhere in the service area and drop off anywhere in the same service area with free transfers. Uses ADA-accessible minibuses for fast, safe, and convenient service with minimal wait times. Growing service areas (currently in Ramsey County, service is only available in Roseville). Operates M-F 5:30am-10:30pm & weekends 7am-10:30pm. Go to: https://www.metrotransit.org/micro for more information.



      What do you and your organization have planned for National Ageism Awareness Day? Consider now how you can draw attention to the impact of ageism in Minnesota and our shared work to build age-inclusive communities. This year, help us shine a light on how ageism impacts us and all our work together to champion a Minnesota free of ageism. To help, the American Society on Aging has prepared free tools and resources.



      • Ageism Fact Sheet 

      • Social Media Toolkit

      • Age-Friendly Communication Guide

      • Press Release

      • Sample Proclamation

      • Breaking Barriers Between Age Groups

      • 100 Days of School Alternative Curriculum




      FREE SMART PHONES AND SERVICE THROUGH LIFELINE

      Foundation First Services LLC, is now providing FREE government smartphones and service through the Lifeline Program.


      If you have a low income or receive government assistance such as Medicaid, SNAP (Food Stamps), or SSI, you could be eligible to receive a free phone and monthly service at no cost to you. 


      Stop by or Apply Online:

      Foundation First Services LLC

      1821 University Ave W, Suite 158

      Saint Paul, MN 55104


      🕒 Walk-ins welcome Monday–Friday!



      Once you're approved, we’ll help you set up your phone right away




      NEW FROM TRELLIS: 


      Care Ecosystem - Free Support for Dementia Caregivers and Their Loved Ones


      The Care Ecosystem at Trellis is a free, year-long, phone-based program that helps people living with dementia and their caregivers find resources and navigate dementia with confidence. 



      Professional or family caregivers can make a referral online at: https://cumulus.care/Trellis/activities/G34Zv7u4zvKNTjBpXUp8Hx/public/YLmLCBv7sE6h5SW4TadChL


      Or if you have questions: send an email: dementiasupport@trellisconnects.org or call the dedicated support line at 651-917-4619. They will follow up within two business days. 


      NEW Name for Senior Linkage Line: Minnesota Aging Pathways

        Formerly the Senior Linkage Line, Minnesota Aging Pathways is a free, state-wide

        service that connects seniors and their caregivers with services and supports.

        Minnesota Aging Pathways: https://mn.gov/aging-pathways

        800-333-2433

        Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.


        SAVE THE DATE!  November 7, 2025

        50 Years Strong: Honoring our Past, Nourishing our Future 

        In 2025, Meals on Wheels of Ramsey County will celebrate a remarkable milestone—50 years of delivering nutritious meals, hope, and care to our community. For half a century, we have been dedicated to helping people maintain their independence and improve the quality of their lives through good nutrition. This anniversary is more than a celebration of our history—it’s a tribute to the volunteers, supporters, and partners who have made our mission possible, and an opportunity to look ahead to the future of service and impact in Ramsey County.

         

        On November 7, 2025, we will gather for a very special celebration luncheon at Minnesota Humanities Event Center, filled with reflection, gratitude, and community spirit. We invite you to join us as we honor this legacy and continue building a stronger future for our neighbors in need. Go to our website for more information and sponsorship opportunities: https://www.mealsonwheels-rc.org/


        Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services: Senior Fair

        Featuring speakers and services on legal, financial and medical issues. Preregistration is required as space is limited and lunch will be provided. 

        September 10, 10:00am - 2:00pm

        Allianz Field 

        400 Snelling Ave., St. Paul

        VA Health Welcome Kit and Guides to VA Benefits & Services

        Veterans and their caregivers can access helpful information from the VA at va.gov: https://www.va.gov/welcome-kit/?utm_source=footer&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=VetResources


        First Responder Emergency Contact Cards

        Ramsey County has a new emergency contact card & magnet for residents to put on their refrigerators for first responders, replacing the former “File of Life”.  Meals on Wheels of Ramsey County will be getting a supply for each member program to distribute to their clients. 


        NAMI: Hearts + Minds 

        An online wellness program designed to educate and empower individuals to better manage their health, mentally and physically. It provides information on medications, chronic pain, and improving sleep. Additional health topics and areas of interest are discussed, along with tools, strategies, and simple steps that make sense and aren’t overwhelming.  Thursdays, October 7 – November 4: 6:00 – 7:30 pm. 

        To register, contact the class leader, Danielle, at communityeducationcoordinator@namimn.org, to ensure the class is a good fit.


        A new section on their website provides information on how housing vouchers, such as Section 8, public housing, and subsidized housing work: 

        The website also has lots of resources for renters and those searching for affordable housing.  

        A flyer is available to post at your site to inform others of their services: 


        Downtown Ramsey County Service Center

        Check out the new Downtown Metro Square Ramsey County Service Center to talk to Financial Services, Navigator re: SNAP, Waivers or other benefit applications, Housing stability, etc.  Information, locations and hours of all of the Ramsey County Services Centers can be found on the website: 


        Twin Cities Veg Fest: Sunday, September 21, 2025, 10am-4pm

        Now in its 13th year, Twin Cities Veg Fest works to inspire empathy for animals and encourage a shift toward plant-based eating. This year’s theme, Cultivating Compassion, Harvesting Change, reflects our mission to create a kinder, more sustainable world for all.  Sliding scale entry, with a free option. All are welcome! Download poster: https://tcvegfest.com/poster/


        Property tax payments due Oct. 15

        The second half of 2025 property tax payments are due Wednesday, Oct. 15. Payments can be made online, by mail, in person or by drop box. To avoid penalties, payments must be submitted or postmarked by the due date. Learn more and pay online: 


        What impacts your health and well-being?

        Ramsey County Public Health wants to hear from you. Your voice matters!

        This short, private survey will guide how Public Health works with community partners to take action on issues that matter most.  Take the survey, available in multiple languages, including Español, Soomaali and Hmoob.


        Grand re-opening of the Tuj Lub courts

        The Tuj Lub courts at Keller Regional Park are reopening after a major makeover. To celebrate, the County is hosting a public event on Saturday, Sept. 20, 10 a.m. to noon at Keller Regional Park (2098 Maplewood Drive, Maplewood, MN). Come for the ribbon-cutting, hear from some special guests and catch Tuj Lub demonstrations (a traditional Hmong sport).  This project helps create a welcoming space for everyone to enjoy both recreation and community connection. 


        Ramsey County Environmental Center – Fall Open House

        Community members of all ages are invited to attend the Ramsey County Environmental Center Fall Open House on Tuesday, Sept. 23, from 6 to 8 p.m. at 1700 Kent St., Roseville, to explore the new Environmental Center and connect with neighbors, county leaders and community influencers. Guests will hear updates from Ramsey County Commissioner Mary Jo McGuire, tour the center with staff experts, and take part in hands-on art activities.


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