Mission Statement
Together we create pathways to stronger, more hopeful communities through access to healthy food, housing stability, and supportive services.
Impact and Programs
Accomplishments
In 2024, VEAP provided food and housing stability for over 256,000 individuals, and we distributed over 4.6 million pounds of food and over $620,000 in emergency financial assistance. As of Oct. 2024 survey: 88% of respondents reported increased access to healthy food because of VEAP’s on-site food pantry, mobile food pantry, and/or home deliveries 77% of respondents reported that getting groceries from VEAP has improved their family’s overall health 80% of respondents reported that getting groceries from VEAP has improved their family’s financial security 87% of respondents reported that VEAP’s services have improved their family’s outlook on the future 84% of respondents reported feeling welcomed when receiving food from VEAP
Current Goals
VEAP’s long-term goals for our programs are to support individuals and families during times of economic change, foster financial resilience, improve community vitality, bolster thriving neighborhoods, promote long-term physical and mental health outcomes, and stimulate economic activity. In total, VEAP’s goal for 2025 is to serve 200,000 individuals across both the Food & Basic Needs and Social Services programs in 2024; VEAP expects to distribute $625,000 in financial assistance through the Social Services program. VEAP has approved a three-year strategic plan to continue moving our mission forward. Our strategic goals are: 1. Building organizational capacity to innovatively respond to community needs 2. Increase access and stability to reduce hunger and housing instability in the Twin Cities 3. Lead advocacy efforts to collaboratively engage our community to alleviate hunger and ensure affordable housing
Community or Constituency Served
VEAP’s participants are a diverse group of low-income individuals and families from Hennepin County and the broader Twin Cities area. Seventy-six percent of VEAP’s participants come from the BIPOC community, and 81% of VEAP’s participants fall below 30% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for the Twin Cities metro. For a family of four in 2024, living on less than 30% AMI meant living on less than $37,250 per year.
Geographic Area Served
VEAP will serve anyone in the state of Minnesota who is experiencing food insecurity, however most of our participants are a diverse group of low-income individuals and families from Hennepin County and the broader Twin Cities area. The majority of our rent/financial assistance programs are specific to Hennepin County or the cities of Bloomington, Richfield, and Edina.
