Are you seeking food assistance? The Echo Food Shelf is dedicated to serving individuals and families in need. This client-choice food shelf allows you to select food items that best suit your household’s needs. Whether you are a new client or have utilized our services before, understanding how to access the ECHO Food Shelf programs is straightforward. We offer various convenient options, including online ordering for pickup, phone scheduling, and walk-in appointments for those without phone access.
Understanding ECHO Food Shelf Services
The ECHO Food Shelf provides a range of programs designed to address different needs within our community. Beyond standard food assistance, we strive to offer extra support through specialized programs like delivery for those with transportation challenges, supplemental food items via ECHO Extras, summer feeding programs for children, and Thanksgiving baskets to ensure holiday meals are accessible.
Regular Food Orders and Pickup
For your regular food needs, ECHO Food Shelf makes the process easy and client-centered. You can customize your food order online and schedule a convenient pickup time.
How to Order and Pick Up:
- Online Ordering: Use our online order form to select your preferred food items. Links to the order forms are readily available (see the left-hand menu on our website).
- Phone Scheduling: Call us at 507-345-7508 to place your order and schedule a pickup time. Our phone lines are open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm, and Thursday from 9:00 am to 6:30 pm.
- Pickup Times: Scheduled pickups are available Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 11:00 am to 4:30 pm, and Thursday from 10:30 am to 6:30 pm.
- Walk-in Scheduling: If you do not have phone access, you can schedule your pickup appointment in person during our operating hours.
Due to the volume of clients we serve daily, we kindly ask that you wait outside while our team brings your customized food order to you.
Eligibility for ECHO Food Shelf
Determining eligibility for ECHO Food Shelf is simple and based on self-declaration. We trust in our community members to honestly assess their need for food assistance.
Non-Standard and Special Requests
As an advocate for client choice, ECHO Food Shelf allows you to choose items that align with your preferences. While our standard food orders are comprehensive, we also understand that specific needs may arise. Requests for items beyond the standard food selection, such as baby items, snacks, juice, laundry detergent, dish soap, baking supplies, soy milk, powdered milk, and personal care items, are considered based on availability. We will always do our best to accommodate your requests.
Accessing Food as a Client
Whether you are new to ECHO Food Shelf or a returning client, accessing our services is designed to be user-friendly.
New Clients
If you are using the ECHO Food Shelf for the first time, please complete the Regular Order Form. This form allows you to customize your initial order and schedule your first pickup time. You can find the link to the Regular Order Form in the left-hand menu of our website.
Current Clients
For those who have used our services before, there are multiple ways to schedule your next food pickup:
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Online Scheduling: The quickest way to schedule is online via the links provided on the left side of our website. When scheduling, you will need to provide:
- Household Name
- Client ID (if known)
- Visit Type: Regular or ECHO Extras
- Number of Seniors, Adults, and Children in the Household
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Phone Appointment: Call us at 507-345-7508 to schedule an appointment. Phone lines are staffed during the hours mentioned above.
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In-Person Appointment: Schedule your next appointment in person during our regular operating hours. You will be given the next available pickup time.
Exploring Additional ECHO Programs
ECHO Food Shelf is committed to going beyond basic food provision by offering specialized programs to meet diverse community needs.
ECHO Delivers Outreach Program
Recognizing that transportation can be a barrier to accessing food assistance, ECHO Food Shelf offers a delivery service. The ECHO Delivers Outreach Program is designed for residents who cannot reach the food shelf during operating hours due to lack of transportation but require extra food support.
To inquire about enrollment in the delivery program, please call our client line at 507-345-7508. Please note that this is not a same-day delivery service, and there is an enrollment process that may take up to a month for eligibility verification. Once enrolled, deliveries will be scheduled based on driver availability.
ECHO Extras Program
The ECHO Extras program provides clients with food items that we have in surplus. This supplementary program allows you to receive additional food items beyond your regular order, helping to further stretch your food resources. You can utilize the ECHO Extras program up to one time per week, and it is also included in all Regular/Monthly food orders.
Summer Feeding Program
During the summer months, when school lunches are not available, the ECHO Food Shelf’s Summer Feeding Program provides crucial supplemental food for children. Families enrolled in this program receive food assistance once per week throughout the summer.
Thanksgiving Basket Distribution
To help families celebrate Thanksgiving, ECHO Food Shelf offers Thanksgiving Baskets. These baskets include a turkey or ham, along with other traditional food items to complete a Thanksgiving meal. This service is offered during the week leading up to Thanksgiving.
ECHO Food Shelf is here to support our community by providing dignified access to nutritious food and essential resources. We encourage anyone in need to reach out and utilize our services.
