CommUnity Meals
Supporting individuals and families in our community facing food insecurity.
Program Update
Over the past several years, the Community Meals program has been made possible through grant funding. That funding is coming to an end at the end of June, and we are not able to continue the program as it has been operating. The program will conclude on June 30, 2026, with meals continuing as scheduled through that time at both service locations, the Pine Mountaineer Senior Center and Riverview Church.
This program has meant a great deal to our community, and we are truly grateful for the many volunteers, staff, partners, and community members who have supported it over the years. Because of you, it has been a place of consistent support and connection for many.
We know this news may be difficult, and this program has been meaningful to many. The Family Center remains committed to supporting individuals and families. As we take time to evaluate how we can best serve our community moving forward, support will continue to be available.
Ongoing Support
The Family Center’s Pine River Area Food Shelf will continue to be available, and staff are here to help connect individuals and families with additional food resources and support programs.
Food Shelf Hours:
Tuesdays and Fridays: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Second Tuesday of each month: 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Additional support may include:
-
Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) for seniors
-
SNAP and other food assistance programs
-
Other local food and support resources
How it Works
Meals are prepared by the Pine River-Backus Family Center kitchen team at the Pine Mountaineer Senior Center in Backus, with support from volunteers then shared through the two locations listed below.
Mondays
Riverview Church
310 Norway Ave - Pine River
4:00 pm
Thursdays
Pine Mountaineer Senior Center
131 Front St N - Backus
4:00 pm
Program History
The Community Meals program has been part of the Pine River-Backus Family Center’s efforts to support individuals and families in our community for several years.
The program began in 2019 as a simple, volunteer-led effort centered on food rescue and community care. Using donated food and the support of local volunteers, it provided a way to help meet gaps for neighbors in need.
In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the program adapted to continue serving the community. Meal service shifted from a sit-down format to a drive-through model, allowing for continued access during a time of increased need and reduced food donations.
In 2024, the Family Center was awarded a State of Minnesota Prepared Meals Grant, which provided significant funding to support and sustain the program.
Today, the program is carried out by Family Center staff, including the kitchen team, alongside volunteers who continue to support meal preparation and distribution. It remains a practical expression of the Family Center’s commitment to caring for the needs of the community.