Ninth Annual The Great Taste Returns In-Person
ICA is excited to announce the ninth annual The Great Taste is coming back in-person this year. Our signature, annual event is an evening dedicated to celebrating the impact ICA has in our community and on the lives of our neighbors.
PRESS RELEASE—FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Hopkins, Minnesota (October 13, 2022)— ICA is excited to announce the ninth annual The Great Taste is coming back in-person this year. Our signature, annual event is an evening dedicated to celebrating the impact ICA has in our community and on the lives of our neighbors.
Please join us for a wonderful evening program on October 13, 2022, at Oak Ridge Country Club in Hopkins. The festivities will include a silent auction, live auction, tastings from area restaurants, a plated dinner meal, dessert, and exclusive access to an initial reveal about ICA’s future! The event starts at 6:00 p.m. and will be emceed by KARE11’s Belinda Jensen.
All proceeds from the event go directly to fund ICA’s programs, which provide food services, employment assistance and homelessness prevention to hundreds of local families every month.
“Last year, ICA was in the midst of celebrating our 50th anniversary. It was a year of reflection for many of us with our organization, as we celebrated how much we had grown and expanded since our founding in 1971. As we turn our attention to the next 50 years of service, we recognize how much our community continues to change as we emerge from the pandemic. Unfortunately, the need for resources has not waned, offering new challenges that provide us an opportunity to rethink our approach and strategically redefine access to meet the needs of people and families closer to where they live and work. To put it plainly, we have an obligation to change in accordance with the community around us. More than ever, we’re aspiring to become a true community organization, where all neighbors in need are welcome and surrounded by people who care about you and want to help."– Dan Narr, ICA Food Shelf Executive Director.
We are grateful to our generous sponsors for making this event possible. Our presenting sponsors are Alerus and Doran, while Marks Group Wealth Management, Domino’s Pizza, FASTSIGNS, Oak Ridge Country Club, BLVD Kitchen & Bar, Thirty Bales, Acowsay Cinema and GEM Family Foundation have also joined as sponsors.
For more information about The Great Taste, or to register, please visit icafoodshelf.org/taste.
ICA Food Shelf serves the communities of Hopkins, Minnetonka, Excelsior, Shorewood, Deephaven, Greenwood and Woodland and is a social services agency offering food, financial assistance, and employment assistance to families in the western suburbs of Minneapolis.
Contact: John Wojcik: 801.558.3325, john@icafoodshelf.org
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ICA to Participate in Annual Letter Carriers' Food Drive
ICA Food Shelf is asking community members to consider participating in the 2022 Stamp Out Hunger® Food Drive.
This event is the country's largest one-day food drive. First started in 1983, it helps feed millions of Americans every year.
ICA Food Shelf is asking community members to consider participating in the 2022 Stamp Out Hunger® Food Drive.
This event is the country's largest one-day food drive. First started in 1983, it helps feed millions of Americans every year.
This year, the nationwide effort will take place on May 14, 2022.
Throughout the west metro area, postal carriers will drop off bags the week of the event, which are intended to be filled with nonperishable food items for ICA.
On May 14, mail carriers will pick up the donated food at your mailbox and bring it to ICA for our volunteers to sort.
If you forget to leave a bag at your house, please consider stopping by Cub Foods on Highway 101 to make a donation. ICA volunteers will be on-site from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 14 to accept nonperishable items.
This annual event is very important for stocking ICA's shelves in the summer months. In previous years, this event alone has resulted in over 60,000 pounds of food donated to ICA in one single day. That can provide groceries to around 2,000 of our neighbors.
ICA Food Shelf Contact: John Wojcik: (801) 558-3325, john@icafoodshelf.org
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Local Rotarians Partner with ICA Food Shelf to Purchase Food Delivery Van
Minnetonka Rotary Club, the Hopkins Rotary Club, the Lake Minnetonka Excelsior Rotary Club and the Excelsior Rotary Club came together to raise funds for a delivery van. With the addition of a grant from Rotary District 5950, the Rotarians were able to garner $27,000.
PRESS RELEASE—FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Minnetonka, Minnesota (October 28, 2021)—
Local Rotarians Partner with ICA Food Shelf to Purchase Food Delivery Van
Early this spring, the Minnetonka Rotary Foundation invited ICA Food Shelf for an update on the changing needs of the community due to the impact of the COVID 19 pandemic. Recent surveys revealed transportation was a major barrier, especially for those facing health issues, isolation and unemployment. ICA had to pivot operations quickly to provide food resources through home deliveries, resulting in an increase of over 40% in this area alone.
In response to this data, the Minnetonka Rotary Club, the Hopkins Rotary Club, the Lake Minnetonka Excelsior Rotary Club and the Excelsior Rotary Club came together to raise funds for a delivery van. With the addition of a grant from Rotary District 5950, the Rotarians were able to garner $27,000.
This was combined with funds from ICA itself and today, ICA was able to purchase a 2019 Ford Transit T250 van from Bell Mobile in Hopkins. The interior of the vehicle will be re-modeled to enhance delivery and the exterior will sport both Rotary and ICA logos.
Many hands and many hours were needed to make this project come to fruition, but as Dan Narr, Executive Director of the ICA Food Shelf says, “If you want something done, ask Rotary.”
“With the additional vehicle, we are able to increase our services in the community and hope to get more food into the hands of our neighbors,” explains Narr. “It will also help make frequent deliveries to the ICA Market and Resource Center at Gatewood Elementary School much easier.”
Minnetonka Rotarians have shared a long-standing relationship with the ICA Food Shelf. They have served as a reliable volunteer resource to collect and sort food donations, including food rescue, and assisted shoppers in the “choice” food shelf model at the K-Tel Drive location in Minnetonka. Over the course of the past 22+ years, Minnetonka Rotarians have supported ICA’s annual signature event, Empty Bowls, as a significant financial sponsor.
ICA Food Shelf serves the communities of Hopkins, Minnetonka, Excelsior, Shorewood, Deephaven, Greenwood and Woodland and is a social services agency offering food, financial assistance and employment assistance to families in the western suburbs of Minneapolis.
ICA Food Shelf Contact: John Wojcik: 801.558.3325, john@icafoodshelf.org
Rotary Contact: Nancy Davis: 352.870.0717, nancydavisrn@hotmail.com
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ICA Market and Resource Center Set to Open at Gatewood Elementary School
A brand new collaboration between ICA Food Shelf and Hopkins Schools will bring food and additional resources right into the school building. Organizers of the ICA Market & Resource Center at Gatewood Elementary are holding an open house on Wednesday, October 20 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
PRESS RELEASE—FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Minnetonka, Minnesota (October XX, 2021)— A brand new collaboration between ICA Food Shelf and Hopkins Schools will bring food and additional resources right into the school building. Organizers of the ICA Market & Resource Center at Gatewood Elementary held an open house on Wednesday, October 20 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Community leaders and local media had an opportunity to chat with organizers and tour the space before the pilot program officially opens to students on October 27. The ICA Market & Resource Center will open twice a week throughout the 2021-2022 school year. A multilingual team will staff the market and work with families while they are shopping. To help support the Center, the Cigna Foundation provided a $65,000 grant as part of its Healthier Kids For Our Future® program, a five-year, $25 million global initiative launched in 2019 focused on improving the health and well-being of children.
“With this pandemic, we thought it was a wonderful opportunity to have Gatewood establish itself as a true community school,” explains Gatewood Elementary Principal Doctor George Nolan. “We know we have families who are food insecure who would benefit from these services.”
On a weekly basis, ICA will source and deliver a wide range of culturally specific fresh produce, dairy, proteins, grains and shelf stable foods. The market team will provide additional support to families with significant barriers to accessing food.
“The market at Gatewood Elementary will give students consistent and convenient healthy food options,” explains ICA Food Shelf Executive Director Dan Narr. “This not only eases food insecurity, but also helps kids focus on school. The partnership will help families build relationships with ICA staff that could lead to housing or employment support.”
“This Center will provide local families with healthy and nutritious food as well as other essential support to help improve their health, wellbeing and peace of mind,” said Brian Marsella, Midwest market president for Cigna. “We are proud to be a part of this important community resource that will help address food insecurity and other health disparities that affect too many children in our area.”
ICA Food Shelf serves the communities of Hopkins, Minnetonka, Excelsior, Shorewood, Deephaven, Greenwood and Woodland and is a social services agency offering food, financial assistance and employment assistance to families in the western suburbs of Minneapolis.
Contact: John Wojcik: 801.558.3325, john@icafoodshelf.org
http://icafoodshelf.org/ | http://hopkinsschools.org/
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ICA Food Shelf Excited to Host 8th Annual The Great Taste
The Great Taste is a virtual evening dedicated to celebrating the impact ICA Food Shelf has in our community and on the lives of our neighbors in need. All are welcome! Join us online as we support our neighbors and learn more about the impact being made in our community every day by incredible people like you.
PRESS RELEASE—FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Minnetonka, Minnesota (October 7, 2021)— The Great Taste is an evening dedicated to celebrating the impact ICA Food Shelf has in our community and on the lives of our neighbors in need. Unfortunately, due to the continued threat of COVID-19, The Great Taste 2021 will again be held virtually!
Join us for a wonderful evening program on October 14, 2021, which includes a silent auction, live auction, and most importantly, the opportunity to learn more about the impact being made in our community every day. The event starts at 7:00 p.m. and will be emceed by KARE11’s Belinda Jensen.
All proceeds from the event go directly to fund ICA’s programs, which provide food services, employment assistance and homelessness prevention to hundreds of local families every month.
“ICA Food Shelf has been a pillar of this community for over 50 years. Funds raised for The Great Taste will help ensure we’re around for another 50 years providing the critical resources that people need. Funds will not only support our food programs, but will also support our homelessness prevention program, which helps community members avoid eviction and maintain a stable living environment for themselves and their families. This program in particular has seen a dramatic increase since COVID first impacted our community, as we have distributed nearly 1400% more funds this past year than pre-pandemic."– Dan Narr, ICA Food Shelf Executive Director.
We are grateful to our generous sponsors for making this event possible. Our presenting sponsors are Alerus and Doran, while UNFI has joined as a gold sponsor. Silver sponsors include The Canopy Group, M Health Fairview, Lakewinds Food Co-op, Marks Group Wealth Management, Tonkadale, McNellis & Asato, Ltd., Tonka Bottle Shop and Acowsay Cinema.
For more information about The Great Taste, or to register, please visit icataste.org.
ICA Food Shelf serves the communities of Hopkins, Minnetonka, Excelsior, Shorewood, Deephaven, Greenwood and Woodland and is a social services agency offering food, financial assistance, and employment assistance to families in the western suburbs of Minneapolis.
Contact: John Wojcik: 801.558.3325, john@icafoodshelf.org
www.icafoodshelf.org | Register at www.icataste.org
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ICA Food Shelf Announces New Executive Director Daniel Narr
ICA Food Shelf is pleased to announce the appointment of Daniel Narr as their new Executive Director. Dan will be succeeding Peg Keenan who is set to retire in August 2020.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Contact: Monika Salden, Manager of Marketing & Communications
Direct: 952.279.0297
Email: monika@icafoodshelf.org
ICA Food Shelf Announces New Executive Director Daniel Narr
Current ICA Executive Director Peg Keenan to Retire August 2020
Minnetonka, MN, June 29, 2020 --- ICA Food Shelf is pleased to announce the appointment of Daniel Narr as their new Executive Director. Dan will be succeeding Peg Keenan who is set to retire in August 2020.
Narr joins ICA having previously served as the CEO of Providers Choice, Executive Director of Gilda’s Club Twin Cities, and Executive Director of Mano a Mano International Partners. Narr is a past member of the Minnetonka Rotary Club and Twin West Chamber of Commerce. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from St. Cloud State University and has completed additional coursework at the University of St. Thomas and United Theological Seminary.
Sheila McMillan, President of ICA’s Board of Directors recently shared, “We are very pleased to welcome Dan to ICA. He was a clear choice to us, with experience including past Executive Director roles, successful fundraising, and a track record of helping organizations evolve in response to changing environments. He also has a deep respect for ICA and the work that we do and is passionate about solving food insecurity.”
About his appointment, Dan said, “ICA Food Shelf is a remarkable organization with a solid mission. It is easy to grasp and realize the unquestionable commitment ICA brings to their community offering hope to people in need while delivering with dignity every step of the way. I am humbled to have this opportunity to make a difference. I am equally excited to be joining a well-respected and experienced staff and volunteer program that I can learn from and gain their valuable insights as we establish a strong strategic focus to achieve its next level of program delivery.”
ICA’s current Executive Director Peg Keenan has successfully led the organization since 2013 with accomplishments including a new building, new service model, program changes, growth in service, and most recently, a global pandemic. We are grateful for Peg’s long-standing commitment to ICA and all that she accomplished during her tenure.
Regarding Narr’s appointment, Keenan said, “ICA has a long history of helping our neighbors in need. Dan’s background and experience show that he shares that commitment. I am so pleased to know that Dan will further ICA’s work in addressing hunger, homelessness, employment, and other basic needs as well as working to eliminate disparities within our community.”
Please join us in welcoming Dan Narr to the ICA team. With Narr’s leadership, ICA looks forward to continuing to serve our community, fulfilling our mission of offering hope as we provide assistance to our neighbors in need. And also join us in celebrating Peg Keenan’s retirement. We are grateful for the leadership she has given to ICA during her tenure as its Executive Director.
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ICA Food Shelf
ICA Food Shelf is a social services agency offering food, financial assistance, and employment assistance to 800 families each month in the communities of Hopkins, Minnetonka, Excelsior, Shorewood, Deephaven, Greenwood, and Woodland, Minnesota.
Old National Foundation Gives ICA Food Shelf $10,000
This week, the Old National Bank Foundation, philanthropic arm of Old National Bank, was proud to present a check for $10,000 to ICA Food Shelf, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing assistance to neighbors in need by providing food options, clothing donations and financial assistance.
OLD NATIONAL FOUNDATION GIVES ICA FOOD SHELF $10,000
The nonprofit is being recognized for its affordable housing efforts.
MINNETONKA, MINN. – Aug. 8, 2019 – This week, the Old National Bank Foundation, philanthropic arm of Old National Bank, was proud to present a check for $10,000 to ICA Food Shelf, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing assistance to neighbors in need by providing food options, clothing donations and financial assistance.
Three times a year, the foundation presents grants to organizations throughout its footprint that fit the following strategic initiatives: affordable housing, early education, economic development, financial literacy and workforce development.
“We are so grateful for this generous contribution from Old National Bank Foundation,” said ICA Food Shelf Executive Director Peg Keenan. “These funds will be used to help ICA clients who need housing and utility support in order to stay in their homes. Some of our clients find unexpected costs like a car repair, medical expenses, or even having a job change can mean they need a little help one month and then their lives stabilize once again. Old National is making sure people in our community can stay in their homes and avoid the disruptive, life-altering effects of having to enter a shelter.”
ICA Food Shelf is being awarded this grant for its affordable housing efforts. The grant money will be used to support its Housing Stability Program. Through this program, ICA case managers work directly with clients to offer financial assistance to prevent homelessness.
“As a financial institution, we know first-hand how important financial education is,” said Old National Bank Foundation Board Member Kelly Elkin. “We’re thrilled to support ICA Food Shelf’s efforts to break the cycle of homelessness through financial empowerment for its clients.”
About Old National Bank
Old National Bancorp (NASDAQ: ONB), the holding company of Old National Bank, is the largest financial services holding company headquartered in Indiana. With $20.1 billion in assets, it ranks among the top 100 banking companies in the U.S. Since its founding in Evansville in 1834, Old National Bank has focused on community banking by building long-term, highly valued partnerships with clients. Today, Old National’s footprint includes Indiana, Kentucky, Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin. In addition to providing extensive services in retail and commercial banking, Old National offers comprehensive wealth management, investments, and capital market services. For more information and financial data, please visit Investor Relations at oldnational.com.
About the Old National Bank Foundation
As part of Old National's commitment to charitable giving, the Old National Bank Foundation makes contributions to nonprofit organizations to fund large scope and large impact programs and/or projects that improve the quality of life in areas of Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin. The Foundation’s primary focus areas are affordable housing, early education, economic development, financial literacy and workforce development. Learn more at oldnational.com/giving.
About ICA Food Shelf
ICA Food Shelf serves the communities of Hopkins, Minnetonka, Excelsior, Shorewood, Deephaven, Greenwood, and Woodland, Minnesota. ICA is a social services agency offering food, financial assistance, and employment assistance to families in the western suburbs of Minneapolis.
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Media Contacts
Casey Merkwan
Old National Bank
(763) 347-8464
casey.merkwan@oldnational.com
Janet Baas
Old National Bank Foundation
(812) 464-1515
janet.baas@oldnational.com
Summer Sizzle 2019
ICA Food Shelf’s Summer Sizzle is making its debut this year at ICA’s K-tel drive location! The event will take place in the food shelf, and will include tours of this amazing space that helps thousands of our neighbors every year.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Contact: Monika Salden, Communications Specialist
Direct: 952.279.0297
Email: monika@icafoodshelf.org
Join ICA Food Shelf for the Summer Sizzle! Thursday, June 13 | 5 – 8 p.m.
Raise funds to feed hungry kids this summer and enjoy a great party!
Minnetonka, MN, June 5, 2019 --- ICA Food Shelf’s Summer Sizzle is making its debut this year at ICA’s K-tel drive location! The event will take place in the food shelf, and will include tours of this amazing space that helps thousands of our neighbors every year. We’ll also have amazing food from 9 local restaurants, complimentary beer & wine, live Yacht Rock tribute duo, raffle, silent auction, and games, plus a behind-the-scenes peek at how we really serve 800 families every month!
The event will include free beer and wine, appetizers from 9 local restaurants, tours of the food shelf, silent auction, dart game, raffle, massages from HealthSource Chiropractic, candy bar, and more! Music from members of The Lonesome Losers yacht rock tribute band. We’ll be raising funds this evening to support ICA’s Kids’ Summer Market, which will provide food to hundreds of hungry kids this summer. This program provides additional food to families in need to help make up for the lack of Free and Reduced Price Lunches that 19% of our local kids rely on during the school year.
Participating restaurants include Breadsmith, The Caterers, Crossroads Delicatessen, Cub Foods, Gold Nugget, Joey Nova's, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Olive's Fresh Pizza and Bar, and Pub 819. Beer provided by Glueks and Bauhaus Breweries. The event is sponsored by Chad Babcock State Farm Insurance, Gamers Digital, Great Clips, Kowalskis, Marks Group Wealth Management, RE/MAX Results, Excelsior Rotary, Spire Credit Union, and Tonkadale Greenhouse.
Tickets are $30 and are available at icafoodshelf.org/sizzle. Please RSVP by June 10. Must be 21+ to attend!
Thursday, June 13 | 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
ICA Food Shelf, 11588 K-Tel Drive, Minnetonka, MN 55343
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ICA Food Shelf
ICA Food Shelf serves the communities of Hopkins, Minnetonka, Excelsior, Shorewood, Deephaven, Greenwood, and Woodland and is a social services agency offering food, financial assistance, and employment assistance to families in the western suburbs of Minneapolis.
Empty Bowls 2019
The 21st annual Empty Bowls Community Event and Fundraiser for ICA Food Shelf and ResourceWest will return to Hopkins Center for the Arts on Tuesday, March 12, 2019.
21st annual Empty Bowls Community Event
Benefitting ICA Food Shelf and ResourceWest
Tuesday, March 12, 2019 | 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Hopkins Center for the Arts
1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins, MN 55343
PRESS RELEASE--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Hopkins, Minnesota (February 26, 2019) – The 21st annual Empty Bowls Community Event and Fundraiser for ICA Food Shelf and ResourceWest will return to Hopkins Center for the Arts on Tuesday, March 12, 2019. Empty Bowls is a celebration of everything that makes our community great: great neighbors, great schools, great local arts, great food, and great community. The event is sponsored by Minnetonka Rotary and SuperValu, with additional support provided by over 100 local businesses, community organizations, schools, and individuals. Both the Hopkins and Minnetonka City Councils have officially declared Tuesday, March 12, 2019 “Empty Bowls Day”.
Now in its 21st year, Hopkins Empty Bowls features the artwork of Hopkins Public Schools’ art students and community potters. Since 1999, thousands of unique bowls have been created for the event, which has raised over $1 million for ICA Food Shelf and ResourceWest.
“Empty Bowls is a way to share a simple meal of soup with your neighbors as we remember the empty bowls in our community.” – Tarrah Palm, ResourceWest Executive Director
Attendees are invited to choose their favorite bowl from among the more than 1,000 bowls created by community artists and Hopkins students. Guests will enjoy a simple meal of soup and bread donated by over 30 local restaurants.
Entertainment will be provided throughout the day and features a variety of local musicians, including choirs, bands, and singers of all ages. There will also be a silent auction of unique fine art donated by local artists. More than 350 volunteers will donate their time and talents to make the day a success!
“Empty Bowls is an amazing time when people throughout our community come together as one. It is one of my favorite days of the year.” – Peg Keenan, ICA Food Shelf Executive Director
Please join us for this wonderful day! The event is free and open to everyone in our community. Freewill donations will be accepted to support the work of ICA Food Shelf and ResourceWest.
To learn more, donate, or sign up to volunteer, please visit www.hopkinsemptybowls.org.
ICA Food Shelf and ResourceWest serve the communities of Minnetonka, Hopkins, Excelsior, Deephaven, Woodland, Greenwood, and Shorewood, Minnesota.
ICA Food Shelf is a social services agency offering food, financial assistance, and employment assistance to families in the western suburbs of Minneapolis.
ResourceWest is a responsive community-based organization that assists people and strengthens the west metro community through collaborative programs and connections to resources.
Contact:
Monika Salden at ICA Food Shelf: 952-279-0297, monikasalden@icafoodshelf.org
www.hopkinsemptybowls.org
www.facebook.com/HopkinsEmptyBowls
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Turkey Program 2018
Each November, ICA hosts a special day where we provide turkeys and all the holiday meal trimmings to our clients. It is truly one of the best days all year as we serve hundreds of our neighbors.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Contact: Monika Salden, Communications Specialist
Direct: 952.279.0297
Email: monika@icafoodshelf.org
Holiday Meals for Families in Need
ICA’s Turkey and Holiday Meal Program Returns!
Minnetonka, MN, November 1, 2018 --- Each November, ICA hosts a special day where we provide turkeys and all the holiday meal trimmings to our clients. It is truly one of the best days all year as we serve hundreds of our neighbors. Held on Thursday, November 15, one week prior to Thanksgiving, we provide turkeys, fresh veggies, and other holiday food items to local families in need. This is one of ICA’s favorite days all year, as we get to help hundreds of local families in one day. We anticipate serving between 730 and 800 families on this day.
The program is open to anyone in ICA’s service area of Hopkins, Minnetonka, Excelsior, Shorewood, Deephaven, Woodland, and Greenwood. All that is required is proof of address. There are two distribution locations: Zion Lutheran Church in Hopkins (241 5th Avenue North, Hopkins) from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Christ Community Church in Excelsior (897 3rd Avenue --south side of Highway 7) from 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.
The cost to provide this program is approximately $15,000 and we need our community’s help! A gift of just $17 will provide the food for a holiday meal to a family in need. Please consider making an extra gift today to help us spread the holiday cheer this coming season.
Support for this event comes from our Holiday Meal Sales at Cub Foods as well as our generous donors. Donate here: http://www.icafoodshelf.org/donation-form
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ICA Food Shelf
ICA Food Shelf serves the communities of Hopkins, Minnetonka, Excelsior, Shorewood, Deephaven, Greenwood, and Woodland and is a social services agency offering food, financial assistance, and employment assistance to families in the western suburbs of Minneapolis.
Questions? Please call ICA at 952.938.0729
The Great Taste 2018
Please join us for the fifth annual The Great Taste! Our greatest event of the year, The Great Taste features the vibrant and delicious food and beverage scene of the western suburbs while raising funds to support ICA Food Shelf
PRESS RELEASE—FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Minnetonka, Minnesota (September 13, 2018)—Please join us for the fifth annual The Great Taste! Our greatest event of the year, The Great Taste features the vibrant and delicious food and beverage scene of the western suburbs while raising funds to support ICA Food Shelf. The event begins at 5 p.m. on Thursday, October 4, 2018 at Minnetonka Community Center (MCC).
We’ll kick off the evening at MCC with delicious appetizers and tastes from local restaurants, as well as complimentary wine and beer, and beer tastings from local breweries. We’ll celebrate the work that ICA is doing in our community and hear about ICA serves our neighbors. We’ll also have a live auction and fund-a-need hosted by Kim Insley, to raise support for ICA programs and services. Guests will then enjoy chauffeured transportation to some of the area’s best restaurants, where they will enjoy a special chef-prepared, multi-course meal with wine tasting. After dinner, guests will be transported back to MCC.
All proceeds from the event go directly to fund ICA’s programs, which include food services, employment assistance, and homelessness prevention for local families in need.
“Many people are surprised to learn that families in our community are hungry and experiencing poverty. But we hear from our clients every day that without ICA, they wouldn’t have enough healthy food to feed their loved ones. Our clients are our neighbors and they need our help. Please join me at this great event and help raise funds to help those in need in our neighborhoods. It’s a great night for a great cause!” -- Peg Keenan, ICA Food Shelf Executive Director.
Sponsored by Peyton Family Foundation, Marks Group Wealth Management, Alerus, FastSigns Plymouth, Lakewinds, Artful Living Magazine, GEM Family Foundation, and Minikahda Mini Storage.
Participating dinner restaurants include 6Smith, Bacio, Birch’s on the Lake, BLVD Kitchen & Bar, Campiello, Cast & Cru, Coalition, Jimmy’s Food and Cocktails, Maynard’s, Red Sauce Rebellion, Redstone, and Thirty Bales. We’ll also have wine, beer, and food tastings from BLVD, Famous Dave’s, Finnegan’s, Gold Nugget, Joey Nova’s, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Spasso, and Unmapped Brewing.
For more information about The Great Taste, or to purchase tickets, please visit icataste.org.
ICA Food Shelf serves the communities of Hopkins, Minnetonka, Excelsior, Shorewood, Deephaven, Greenwood and Woodland and is a social services agency offering food, financial assistance, and employment assistance to families in the western suburbs of Minneapolis.
Contact: Monika Salden: 952.279.0297, monika@icafoodshelf.org
Purchase tickets at www.icataste.org
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ICA Bazaar 2018
ICA Food Shelf is excited to announce the return of the ICA Bazaar! It will take place at our St. Davids location (12990 St. Davids Road, Minnetonka) from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 23rd.
PRESS RELEASE—FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Minnetonka, Minnesota (June 14, 2018) – ICA Food Shelf is excited to announce the return of the ICA Bazaar! It will take place at our St. Davids location (12990 St. Davids Road, Minnetonka) from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 23rd.
This warehouse sale will raise money for ICA programs and clean out space in our warehouse, the former location of our food shelf prior to the opening of our K-Tel location. Our shelves are filled with new and scratch-n-dent merchandise, including furniture, rugs, small housewares, toys, and more. We’re selling it all, so come by and see what we have for you!
Where does the merchandise come from? ICA Food Shelf has strong partnerships with stores in our area. Through these partnerships, we receive retail merchandise including furniture, small housewares, and toys.
All of the items for sale at the Bazaar are new. Many of the items were donated by our partners because they were “marked out,” discontinued, returned, or have damaged packaging. We are excited that these items will be used in homes rather than end up in the landfill, as well as support ICA’s programs.
All proceeds benefit ICA Food Shelf and will support programs helping neighbors in our community.
About ICA Food Shelf:
ICA Food Shelf serves the communities of Minnetonka, Hopkins, Excelsior, Deephaven, Woodland, Greenwood, and Shorewood and is a social services agency offering food, financial assistance, and employment assistance to families in the western suburbs of Minneapolis. ICA Food Shelf serves more than 800 families each month.
Contact:
Monika Salden: 952.279.0297, monika@icafoodshelf.org.
www.icafoodshelf.org
26th Annual Letter Carriers' Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive
Each May, the National Association of Letter Carriers holds a food drive to collect food for local food shelves. ICA is proud to partner with our local letter carriers for this great event!
PRESS RELEASE—FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
26th Annual Letter Carriers' Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive
Minnetonka, Minnesota (April 24, 2018— Each May, the National Association of Letter Carriers holds a food drive to collect food for local food shelves. ICA is proud to partner with our local letter carriers for this great event!
On Saturday, May 12, neighbors will leave bags of food at their mailboxes, and letter carriers will pick them up and drop them in a collection area. Volunteers work to collect food from throughout our community and bring it back to ICA. All of the food collected will stay in our communities and help replenish our shelves for the summer months ahead. We need lots of help to make this day a success!
Here is how you can get involved:
Donate food. Be sure to leave a bag of nonperishable food by your mailbox on Saturday, May 12. Please note, in past years, mail carriers have left postcards and grocery bags in mailboxes prior to the event. They will not be doing so this year, so please mark your calendars!
Volunteer. Volunteers are needed at various satellite stations throughout Minnetonka to collect groceries as the local postal carriers drop them off. Great for groups, individuals, and families!
For more information on The Postal Drive and volunteering visit icafoodshelf.org/postal.
ICA Food Shelf serves the communities of Minnetonka, Hopkins, Excelsior, Deephaven, Woodland, Greenwood and Shorewood and is a social services agency offering food, financial assistance, job counseling and referrals to families in the western suburbs of Minneapolis and is a 501(c) 3 organization.
Contact: Shirley Buehler, ICA Project Coordinator
952.279.0282
Empty Bowls 2018
20th annual Empty Bowls fundraiser for ICA Food Shelf and ResourceWest will take place on Tuesday, March 13, 2018 at Hopkins Center for the Arts in Hopkins, Minnesota
20th annual Empty Bowls fundraiser for ICA Food Shelf and ResourceWest will take place on Tuesday, March 13, 2018 at Hopkins Center for the Arts in Hopkins, Minnesota
PRESS RELEASE--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Hopkins, Minnesota (March 1, 2018) – The 20th annual Empty Bowls Fundraiser for ICA Food Shelf and ResourceWest will return to Hopkins Center for the Arts on Tuesday, March 13, 2018. Empty Bowls is a celebration of everything that makes our community great: great neighbors, great schools, great local arts, great food, and great community. In a time where our country is more fractured than ever, Empty Bowls reminds us that we are all neighbors as we come together to help those in need.
2018 marks Hopkins Empty Bowls’ 20th anniversary. Since 1999, Hopkins Public Schools’ art students and community potters have created hundreds of unique soup bowls for the event benefitting ICA Food Shelf and ResourceWest. Over the past 19 years, the event has raised over $1 Million to support our neighbors in need.
“It’s inspiring to witness firsthand how our community comes together to create this amazing event, which also does do much good in our community.” – Tarrah Palm, ResourceWest Executive Director
Attendees are invited to choose their favorite bowl from among the 1,000 bowls created by community artists and Hopkins students. Guests will enjoy a simple meal of soup and bread donated by local restaurants. A variety of local musicians will provide entertainment . There will also be a silent auction of unique fine art donated by local artists.
“Empty Bowls day is one of the best days of the year! Empty Bowls brings together our entire community to raise funds for those in need and celebrate local schools and arts.” –Peg Keenan, ICA Food Shelf Executive Director
Please join us and bring a free-will donation to support the work of ICA Food Shelf and ResourceWest. Interested in volunteering? Please contact us via www.hopkinsemptybowls.org.
The event will take place at Hopkins Center for the Arts (1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins, MN 55343) on Tuesday, March 13, 2018, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
ICA Food Shelf and ResourceWest serve the communities of Minnetonka, Hopkins, Excelsior, Deephaven, Woodland, Greenwood, and Shorewood, Minnesota.
ICA Food Shelf is a social services agency offering food, financial assistance, and employment assistance to families in the western suburbs of Minneapolis.
ResourceWest is a responsive community-based organization that assists people and strengthens the west metro community through collaborative programs and connections to resources.
Contacts:
Kristin Gerton at ICA Food Shelf: 952-279-0280, kristin@icafoodshelf.org , www.icafoodshelf.org
Tarrah Palm at ResourceWest: 952-277-9341, tarrah@resourcewest.org , www.resourcewest.org
www.facebook.com/HopkinsEmptyBowls
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Sizzle for a Cause
The 6th Annual Cooking Competition Sizzle for a Cause, to Benefit ICA Food Shelf, will take place on Thursday, February 22, 2018 at the Lafayette Club, Minnetonka Beach.
The 6th Annual Cooking Competition Sizzle for a Cause, to Benefit ICA Food Shelf, will take place on Thursday, February 22, 2018 at the Lafayette Club, Minnetonka Beach.
Minnetonka, Minnesota– In the 6th annual Sizzle for a Cause, local chefs from five of the Lake Minnetonka area’s best restaurants will come together to battle it out in a Chopped-style cooking competition. The winner takes home bragging rights as well as the coveted Golden Cleaver.
How does it work? Each chef will prepare a dish featuring a surprise secret ingredient, as well as pantry staples and a select protein. Last year’s chefs were surprised with celery root! Who knows what this year’s surprise ingredient will be?! Local celebrity judges Sue Zelickson (Minnesota Monthly Magazine Food Columnist and Influencer) Jill Holter (Lakewinds Co-op Author, Organic Foodie Blogger) and Anne Spaeth (Lynhall Owner-Operator) will taste each dish to determine which is best and crown the winner.
This year’s presenting sponsor is Michael Foods.
Chefs for this year’s competitors include; The District, Baja Haus, Jake O’Connors, Joey Nova’s and The Lafayette Club. Spectators will watch the action while enjoying appetizers from the participating restaurants. Dessert will also be provided by Joey Nova’s. CASH BAR.
The showdown will take place at the Lafayette Club, Minnetonka Beach, February 22nd from 6:30-9:00. Tickets can be purchased in advance for general admission at $50.00 or at the door for $60.00. However, the VIP $100 admission gets guests a ticket to the pre-party event hosted by Chef Eli Wollenzien, of Coalition and Red Sauce Rebellion in Excelsior. Wollenzien will prepare a few of his favorite apps as well as complimentary champagne for these VIP guests.
If you love great food, fun times and supporting your local community, you don’t want to miss this sizzling hot event!
Purchase tickets here http://bit.ly/2DTVeAa
All proceeds benefit ICA Food Shelf.
Contact: Marly Ramstad: 612.419.2379, marlyeramstad@gmail.com
About ICA Food Shelf
ICA Food Shelf serves the communities of Minnetonka, Hopkins, Excelsior, Deephaven, Woodland, Greenwood, and Shorewood and is a social services agency offering food, financial assistance, and employment assistance to families in the western suburbs of Minneapolis.
Purchase tickets at biddingforgood.com/ICAFoodshelf/sizzleforacause
Turkey Giveaway
Each November, ICA hosts a special day where we provide turkeys and all the holiday meal trimmings to our clients. It is truly one of the best days all year as we serve hundreds of our neighbors.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Contact: Monika Salden, Communications Specialist
Direct: 952.279.0297
Email: monika@icafoodshelf.org
Holiday Meals for Families in Need
ICA’s Turkey and Holiday Meal Program Returns!
Minnetonka, MN, November 1, 2017 --- Each November, ICA hosts a special day where we provide turkeys and all the holiday meal trimmings to our clients. It is truly one of the best days all year as we serve hundreds of our neighbors. Held on Thursday, November 16, one week prior to Thanksgiving, we provide turkeys, fresh veggies, and other holiday food items to local families in need. This is one of ICA’s favorite days all year, as we get to help hundreds of local families in one day. We anticipate serving between 730 and 800 families on this day.
The program is open to anyone in ICA’s service area of Hopkins, Minnetonka, Excelsior, Shorewood, Deephaven, Woodland, and Greenwood. All that is required is proof of address. There are two distribution locations: Zion Lutheran Church in Hopkins (241 5th Avenue North, Hopkins) from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Christ Community Church in Excelsior (897 3rd Avenue --south side of Highway 7) from 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.
The cost to provide this program is approximately $15,000 and we need our community’s help! A gift of just $17 will provide the food for a holiday meal to a family in need. Please consider making an extra gift today to help us spread the holiday cheer this coming season.
Support for this event comes from our Holiday Meal Sales at Cub Foods as well as our generous donors. Donate here: http://www.icafoodshelf.org/donation-form
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ICA Food Shelf
ICA Food Shelf serves the communities of Hopkins, Minnetonka, Excelsior, Shorewood, Deephaven, Greenwood, and Woodland and is a social services agency offering food, financial assistance, and employment assistance to families in the western suburbs of Minneapolis.
Questions? Please call ICA at 952.938.0729
The Great Taste 2017
Join ICA Food Shelf at our most exciting and impactful event of the year: The Great Taste. Now in its fourth year, hundreds of ICA supporters will turn out to benefit neighbors in our community.
PRESS RELEASE—FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Minnetonka, Minnesota (September 8, 2017)—Join ICA Food Shelf at our most exciting and impactful event of the year: The Great Taste. Now in its fourth year, hundreds of ICA supporters will turn out to benefit neighbors in our community. The Great Taste highlights the fantastic food scene in the Western suburbs as it raises money for ICA programs. The event begins at 5 p.m. on Thursday, October 5, 2017 at Minnetonka Community Center (MCC).
Guests will begin the evening at MCC with delicious appetizers and tastes from five local restaurants, beer tastings from three local breweries and wine tastings from a local wine shop. The event features a brief program where guests will hear how ICA is making a difference in our neighborhoods, and a live auction and fund-a-need hosted by KARE 11’s Belinda Jensen, to raise support for ICA programs and services. Guests will then enjoy chauffeured transportation to some of the area’s best restaurants, where they will enjoy a special chef-prepared, multi-course meal with wine tasting. After dinner, guests will be transported back to MCC.
All proceeds from the event go directly to fund ICA’s programs, which include food services, employment assistance, and financial assistance for local families in need.
“Poverty in the suburbs is a real issue. Suburban poverty is increasing at rates greater than in the city. Our community has a long and proud tradition of helping to meet the needs of our neighbors, and ICA Food Shelf is so grateful to be a part of that work. In 2016, with our community’s support, we served 5,938 individuals through food, financial assistance, and employment services. We look forward to continuing to serve our community in the years to come.” -- Peg Keenan, ICA Food Shelf Executive Director.
The event is presented by Alerus Mortgage. Sponsors include Luther Hopkins Honda, Marks Group Wealth Management, and Minikahda Mini Storage.
Participating dinner restaurants include 6Smith, Bacio, Birch’s on the Lake, BLVD Kitchen & Bar, Coalition, District Fresh Kitchen + Bar, Jake O’Connor’s, Jimmy’s Food and Cocktails, Lafayette Club, Kona Grill Eden Prairie, Kona Grill Ridgedale, Maynard’s, NineTwentyFive, Redstone, and Spasso. We’ll also have wine, beer, and food tastings from 318 Café, BLVD, Crossroads Delicatessen, Famous Dave’s, Finnegan’s, Kowalski’s, LTD Brewing Co., and Unmapped Brewing.
For more information about The Great Taste, or to purchase tickets, please visit icafoodshelf.org.
ICA Food Shelf serves the communities of Minnetonka, Hopkins, Excelsior, Deephaven, Woodland, Greenwood, and Shorewood and is a social services agency offering food, financial assistance, and employment assistance to families in the western suburbs of Minneapolis.
Contact: Monika Salden: 952.279.0297, monika@icafoodshelf.org
www.icafoodshelf.org
Purchase tickets at www.icafoodshelf.org/taste
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25th Annual Letter Carriers' Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive
Each May, the National Association of Letter Carriers holds a food drive to collect food for local food shelves. ICA is proud to partner with our local letter carriers for this great event!
PRESS RELEASE—FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Minnetonka, Minnesota (April 27, 2017)
Each May, the National Association of Letter Carriers holds a food drive to collect food for local food shelves. ICA is proud to partner with our local letter carriers for this great event!
On Saturday, May 13, neighbors will leave bags of food at their mailboxes, and letter carriers will pick them up and drop them in a collection area. Volunteers work to collect food from throughout our community and bring it back to ICA. All of the food collected will stay in our communities and help replenish our shelves for the summer months ahead. We need lots of help to make this day a success!
The 2016 Postal Food Drive collected 61,938 pounds of food for ICA Food Shelf in one day, which provided groceries to 1,674 people!
Here is how you can get involved:
- Donate food. Be sure to leave a bag of nonperishable food by your mailbox on Saturday, May 13.
- Volunteer. Volunteers are needed at various satellite stations through Minnetonka to collect groceries as the local postal carriers drop them off. We also need "runners" who can use their own vehicles to drive donated food to ICA. 2.5 hour shifts available throughout the day.
For more information on The Postal Drive and volunteering, visit icafoodshelf.org.
ICA Food Shelf serves the communities of Minnetonka, Hopkins, Excelsior, Deephaven, Woodland, Greenwood and Shorewood and is a social services agency offering food, financial assistance, job counseling and referrals to families in the western suburbs of Minneapolis and is a 501(c) 3 organization.
Contact: Shirley Buehler, ICA Project Coordinator
952.279.0282
Shirley@icafoodshelf.org
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19th Annual Hopkins Empty Bowls Event
19th annual Empty Bowls fundraiser for ICA Food Shelf and ResourceWest will take place on Tuesday, March 7, 2017 at Hopkins Center for the Arts in Hopkins, Minnesota
19th annual Empty Bowls fundraiser for ICA Food Shelf and ResourceWest will take place on Tuesday, March 7, 2017 at Hopkins Center for the Arts in Hopkins, Minnesota
PRESS RELEASE--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Hopkins, Minnesota (February 17, 2017) – The 19th annual Empty Bowls Fundraiser for ICA Food Shelf and ResourceWest will return to Hopkins Center for the Arts on Tuesday, March 7, 2017. Fueled by a passion for creativity and a desire to help our neighbors in need, this fantastic community event features handmade bowls from local students and artists, and a simple meal of soup and bread. The event will raise funds to help those in need in our community.
Since 1999, Hopkins Public Schools’ art students and community potters have created hundreds of unique soup bowls for the event benefiting ICA Food Shelf and ResourceWest. Over the past 18 years, the event has raised over $1 Million to support our neighbors in need.
“Empty Bowls is truly a community-wide effort. It has been such a gift to witness firsthand how neighbors are helping to ‘fill the empty bowls’ in our community.” – Tarrah Palm, ResourceWest Executive Director
Attendees are invited to choose their favorite bowl from among the 1,000 bowls created by community artists and Hopkins students. Guests will enjoy a simple meal of soup and bread donated by local restaurants. A variety of local musicians will provide entertainment . There will also be a silent auction of unique fine art donated by local artists.
“Empty Bowls is an incredible celebration of all that makes our community great: strong schools, a commitment to the arts, generous local businesses, and neighbors who support each other. We are so grateful for your support!” –Peg Keenan, ICA Food Shelf Executive Director
Please join us and bring a free-will donation to support the work of ICA Food Shelf and ResourceWest. Interested in volunteering? Please contact us via www.HopkinsSchools.org/EmptyBowls.
The event will take place at Hopkins Center for the Arts (1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins, MN 55343) on Tuesday, March 7, 2017, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
ICA Food Shelf and ResourceWest serve the communities of Minnetonka, Hopkins, Excelsior, Deephaven, Woodland, Greenwood, and Shorewood, Minnesota.
ICA Food Shelf is a social services agency offering food, financial assistance, and employment assistance to families in the western suburbs of Minneapolis.
ResourceWest is a responsive community-based organization that assists people and strengthens the west metro community through collaborative programs and connections to resources.
Contacts:
Kate Wilinski at ICA Food Shelf: 952-279-0290, kate@icafoodshelf.org
Tarrah Palm at ResourceWest: 952-277-9341, tarrah@resourcewest.org
www.HopkinsSchools.org/EmptyBowls
www.facebook.com/HopkinsEmptyBowls
www.icafoodshelf.org
www.resourcewest.org
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The Great Taste 2016
Join ICA Food Shelf at our most exciting and impactful event of the year: The Great Taste. Now in its third year, hundreds of ICA supporters will turn out to benefit neighbors in our community.
PRESS RELEASE—FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Minnetonka, Minnesota (October 5, 2016)—Join ICA Food Shelf at our most exciting and impactful event of the year: The Great Taste. Now in its third year, hundreds of ICA supporters will turn out to benefit neighbors in our community. ICA’s programs include food services, employment assistance, and financial assistance for local families in need. The Great Taste highlights the fantastic food scene in the Western suburbs as it raises money for ICA programs. The event begins at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, October 26, 2016 at Cast & Cru Restaurant at the Old Log Theatre in Excelsior.
Guests will begin the evening at Cast & Cru with delicious appetizers and wine, a silent auction featuring great items from the many generous stores and businesses in our area, a live auction, and a brief program and fund-a-need for ICA. Guests will then enjoy chauffeured transportation to some of the area’s best restaurants, where they will enjoy a special chef-prepared, multi-course meal with wine tasting. After dinner, guests will be transported back to Cast & Cru to end the evening with dessert and coffee.
All proceeds from the event go directly to fund ICA’s programs.
“Suburban poverty is one of the best kept secrets of our area. Many of our neighbors struggle to make ends meet and feed their families. Choosing between putting food on the table and paying medical bills or rent is a choice that no one should have to make. ICA is here to help people when they need it, and to connect people with the resources they need,” explains Peg Keenan, ICA Food Shelf Executive Director.
The event is presented by HumanStuff. Sponsors include Luther Automotive, Marks Group Wealth Management, Minnetonka Medical Center, and Minikahda Mini Storage.
Participating restaurants include 6Smith, Bacio, Birch’s on the Lake, BLVD Kitchen & Bar, Coalition, District Fresh Kitchen + Bar, Jimmy’s Food and Cocktails, Kona Grill, Maynard’s, Spasso, and Victor’s on Water.
For more information about The Great Taste, or to purchase tickets, please visit icafoodshelf.org.
ICA Food Shelf serves the communities of Minnetonka, Hopkins, Excelsior, Deephaven, Woodland, Greenwood, and Shorewood and is a social services agency offering food, financial assistance, and employment assistance to families in the western suburbs of Minneapolis.
Contact: Monika Salden: 952.279.0297, monika@icafoodshelf.org.
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