Spring, planting, plants, grow, happy, Pine River, Backus, MN, Food Shelf
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Current Events
PRBFC Happenings
Curious about programs and Public Health scheduling at the Family Center? Check out the monthly Happenings! This lists everything going on at the Family Center for the entire month, less a few changes to our business hours due to fluctuating staff schedules and training days. For changes in our business hours, check our Facebook Page or Instagram!
Food Shelf
The Pine River Area Food Shelf is open 1st, 3rd, 4th & 5th Tuesdays 10 - 1, 2nd Tuesdays 3 - 6, and Fridays 10 - 1. We proudly partner with local farmers to purchase fresh, local produce, eggs, honey, and more—supporting our neighbors and bringing healthy options to our shelves. We are set up for self-shopping, but if you’re not feeling well, we’re happy to shop for you and have your order ready for pickup. Just call Chelsea at 218-587-4292.
CommUnity Meals
A local collaborative effort has been put together to provide a free weekly meal for anyone who is hungry. Meals are pick-up only on Mondays at the Riverview Church in Pine River or Thursdays at the Pine Mountaineer Senior Center in Backus. Serving time is from 4pm until every meal is gone. Meals will not be served until 4pm.​
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Food Shelf Needs
For those who wish to donate items rather than money, here is a list of items the Pine River Area Food Shelf is short on. There are donation boxes in the hallway between the Family Center and Food Shelf doors for non-perishable items if you choose to donate anonymously. If you're donating perishables or a large amount of items, please speak with someone in the Family Center or Food Shelf during business hours. Thank you, Donors!
Christmas for Kids
Registration is now open! Register online, or print the form and mail it, or turn it in at the Family Center any time during open hours. Applicants must live in the Pine River-Backus School District to qualify. Families will be notified via phone or email if your family will be a recipient. Please fill out the online form once for each qualifying child.​
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Family Center Hours:
Mon. - Thurs. 8 - 4
Friday 8 - 3
Food Shelf Hours:
1st, 3rd, 4th & 5th Tuesdays 10 - 1
2nd Tuesdays 3 - 6
Fridays 10 - 1
2025 PRBFC Holiday Closures:
January 1st – New Years Day
January 20th – Martin Luther King Day
February 17th – President’s Day
May 26th – Memorial Day
Jun 19th – Juneteenth
July 4th – Independence Day
September 1st – Labor Day
November 11th – Veteran’s Day
November 27th-28th – Thanksgiving
December 24th – January 2nd - Christmas week
*For Food Shelf closures, follow us on Facebook
using the link above!
Volunteers Needed
The Pine River Area Food Shelf is looking for able-bodied volunteers to help with food distribution twice weekly. We also need volunteers to help with shopping and stocking shelves, as well as greeting shoppers and helping with intake. Volunteers alternate so no one works every food shelf day. If you or someone you know is interested, please give us a call!
Upcoming Events
Recent Events
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Community Meals Community Garden Open House
What an incredible evening at the Pine River-Backus Community Garden Open House on Monday! Together, we served 148 hot meals to neighbors, friends, and families, surrounded by fresh vegetables, live music, sunshine, and smiles. Huge thanks to everyone who joined us, and to all the volunteers, garden partners, and community members. The garden was truly alive with connection and care.
Initiative Foundation Grant
The Initiative Foundation and Otto Bremer recently granted $15,000 to the Pine River Area Food Shelf to collaborate with local farmers. These farmers will provide fresh produce such as fruits, veggies, eggs and honey so that the hungry in our community have access to the freshest of foods when they come to our Food Shelf.