CommUnity Meals
Supporting individuals and families in our community facing food insecurity
The Community Meals program has been an important part of how the Pine River-Backus Family Center supports individuals and families in our community facing food insecurity.
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Meals are prepared by our staff and served with the support of volunteers who give their time to care for others. Together, this program has helped meet real, everyday needs for many in our community.
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.​
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.