Photo: Cook County Ruby's Pantry Facebook page

By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - April 4, 2024


Cook County Ruby's Pantry announced it will be returning to the Cook County Community Center for the season starting with the April 9, 2024 distribution date. Distribution time will remain the same from 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm. 

Volunteers are needed to help with the distribution by either taking a shift from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm or 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm (see below for duties) or coming and going as you are able: 

• Packing duties: unpack the large boxes from the truck, verify that what we received is what is listed on the sheet for that food item and place the individual food items on or under the table provided.
  
  Pack the table items into plastic bags or reuse boxes and work your way down the line of tables.  Stack the packed bags/boxes at the end.
  
  
• Loading duties: take a wagon which is provided, move down the line of packed items placing bags into the wagon and roll the wagon out to the line of cars (there will be helpers in the parking lot).

Ruby's Pantry is a program that distributes food to a minimum of 150 Cook County families in need on the second Tuesday of each month. Food shares are sold to community members for $25 a share, but there are also vouchers available to redeem for a free share from the Grand Marais Food shelf, WIC office, Cook County Public Health Office, and Grand Portage.

Food insecurity has increased since the COVID-19 pandemic, as many families struggle to put food on the table. 

Related: Ever been hungry? A look into food insecurity, resources, and how to help in Cook County, Minnesota

Can't volunteer but want to help? Here are some other options:

• Donate: Send checks to Ruby's Pantry PO Box 5 Grand Marais MN 55604. Any amount is appreciated!
• Adopt a family: Pay for a family's $25 gift certificate.

For more information or to sign up as a volunteer, email: [email protected]