Impact and Programs
Accomplishments
ICA helped to eliminate food insecurity for over 7,000 low-income households this past fiscal year. ICA also recognizes poverty is relative in general while understanding on another level that 56% of our clients earn under 100% US poverty guidelines and 93% earn under 200% of the guidelines. Sixty-percent identify with BIPOC communities, many of whom are immigrants. Forty-two percent are households with children, and 12% are seniors. This past fiscal year, ICA reached over 1,000 new families.
ICA's home delivery increased by 30% reaching seniors and other homebound neighbors unable to visit our main food shelf location. The mobile food shelf program made neary 1,400 delivieries, bringing food to low-income apartment buildings. And, we expanded our community through collaborative partners opening three school-based Market and Resource Centers, reaching students and families taht face transportation or language barriers to accessing food and case management resources.
Overall, our food resource program gives provides access to fresh, healthy, and diverse food in a manner that suits their needs and honors their dignity, including a choice-model food shelf, home delivery, NAPS, school snack programs, and satelite Market and Resource Centers. ICA is building awareness so teh community knows what is available and build trust so the community feels comfortable accessing support.
ICA's homelessness prevention program provided assistance with utility payments and rent to 731 individuals or 281 households so that clients can retain their housing and avoid eviction. ICA also assists with damage deposits so that people can move to more affordable housing.
ICA's Employment Assistance helped XXX individuals identify skills, prepare resumes, practice inteviewing, and connect with employers. Case Managers connects individuals to resources that support greater stability, providing strategies and referrals for mental health services, childcare and more.
Current Goals
ICA will continue to broaden it's reach and build on 51 years of equity in our community, to address food insecurity systemically, removing barriers that prevent or inhibit access to recieving services.
Goal#1 - Community outreach will continue to build relationships with collaborative partners to build a hub of programs/services creating a more inclusive approach of support.
Goal#2 - Expand satellite operations to remove transportation barriers for families providing easier access to programs and services.
Goal#3 - Rebrand ICA to increase knowledge about the breath of services provided beyond a history of only being recognized as a food shelf.
Goal#4 - Connect and support community residents to engage in affordable housing discussions to preserve affordable housing options with city & county officials to createa diverse and healthy community for all.
Community or Constituency Served
ICA serves all ages/races who are in need of food, in financial crisis, and seeking employment.
Geographic Area Served
ICA serves the western Hennepin County suburban cities of Deephaven, Excelsior, Greenwood, Hopkins, Minnetonka, Shorewood, and Woodland.
