NEAR Food Shelf

03/28/2026

Thank you to everyone who made the Empty Bowls event such a success! We’re so grateful to all who attended, donated, created and purchased bowls, provided delicious food, shared their talents through entertainment, contributed to the auction, and volunteered their time. A special thanks to New Hope Church for hosting the event this year.

Because of your generosity and support, we welcomed approximately 310 attendees and raised an incredible $13,000. We truly couldn’t have done it without you!

03/25/2026

Entertainment for tomorrow's event!

03/11/2026

Keepin' Up with Dave from CCX interviewed NEAR's Director, Thea Bruley, about the upcoming Empty Bowls event.

Plus: meeting neighbors in Plymouth, iPhone camera workshop in Maple Grove, and a day of swimming on Spring Break in Brooklyn Center.

10/12/2025

Thank you for joining us at the 4th Annual Faith & Blue Fall Festival! We had an incredible day celebrating community, connection, and care here at the NEAR Food Shelf parking lot! We loved seeing families, neighbors, and the City of Crystal Police Department come together to share food, music, and fun.

A huge thank you to the Crystal VFW 494 serving up delicious hot dogs and treats, to our community partners and sponsors for their support, and to everyone who brought food donations for NEAR Food Shelf. Your generosity makes a real difference!

Thank you to our generous sponsors for contributing to the event:
Cub Foods Crystal
Crystal VFW #494
Crystal Police Department
West Metro Fire/Rescue
New Hope Police Department
Church of St. Raphael
Big Louies Bar and Grill
New Hope Group - Thrivent
Wildfire Churches
BKLUVS2Create - Britney Kiser/Face Painter
Soundcart Media LLC
Dave Kiser - CCX Media
Music Entertainment by Bach to Rock

10/10/2025

Tomorrow’s the day! Join us for the Faith & Blue Fall Festival to celebrate community, connection, and care.

What you can expect on Saturday, October 11 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

-Hot dogs and treats served by the West Metro VFW
-Live music, a bounce house, community organizations, and games for the whole family
-Meet your neighbors and local officers from the City of Crystal Police Department
-Support NEAR Food Shelf with a food donation

We can’t wait to see you there!

More info: www.crystal.gov | www.nearfoodshelf.org

10/06/2025

Together we are stronger!The Faith & Blue Fall Festival brings community members and law enforcement together for meaningful connections.

Hosted by NEAR Food Shelf and the City of Crystal Police Department, this event is about building trust, unity, and a brighter future.

Join us for food, fun, games, and friendship on Saturday, October 11 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Don’t forget to bring a food donation to support local families!

More info: www.crystal.gov | www.nearfoodshelf.org

10/02/2025

Save the Date! Join us for the 4th Annual Faith & Blue Fall Festival on Saturday, October 11, 2025 for a day of resolution, reconciliation, and community connection.

Date: October 11, 2025
Time: 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Location: NEAR Food Shelf - 5209 W. Broadway, Crystal, MN

Enjoy free food served by the West Metro VFW, a bounce house, and games for the whole family while building bridges and breaking biases.

Food donations will be accepted at the event!

More info: www.crystal.gov | www.nearfoodshelf.org

09/30/2025

NEAR Food Shelf is a non-profit volunteer-run organization based in Crystal, MN, providing relief to those in our community with food needs.

We are supported through a cooperative effort of individuals, faith partners, civic organizations, and local businesses. Thank you for your continued support!