Waite House | Pillsbury United Communities

Elizabeth Brisbin

November 7, 2025

Increases in Demand at Food Shelves & Food Cafes

Since last week we have seen acute increases in demand on our food shelves and in our food cafes in Minneapolis. For instance, our Oak Park cafe served 400 people in 1.5 hours last Thursday alone, serving 1200-1500 meals weekly. Similar trend is seen at Waite House Cafe in Phillips neighborhood serving 600 meals per week, and at the Brian Coyle Center where we distribute 600 hot meals through Kitchen Coalition partnership five days a week.

In addition. both the Brian Coyle and Waite House Food Shelves have seen an increase of 30% demand for food from the food pantries.

Help meet the demand, and donate now >> Pillsbury United Communities🍎

What you are doing is making a huge impact in our communities, and we need everyone to act just as you have today. We have three food cafes, and two food pantries throughout Minneapolis. Both the Brian Coyle and Waite House food shelves although located in South Minneapolis, serve thousands of families coming from anywhere in the twin cities metropolitan areas whereas, the food cafes serve primarily residents of the most immediate neighborhood where they are located.

We are also coordinating food drives /donations drop offs at our neighborhood center locations as follows:

Waite House: 10 : 00 AM – 4:00 PM Monday-Thursday

Oak Park: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Monday-Thursdays

Pillsbury House and Theatre: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM Monday-Thursday

Brian Coyle Center: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM Monday -Friday.

All locations: PUC Community Centers

We also here attached the Food Wishlist for the locations for reference.

While a food donation for our pantry is welcomed, the biggest impact comes from a monetary donation; as we are able to buy food in bulk at a reduced cost from retail, paying less than you would at your local grocery store. Make a a bigger impact and help feed our neighbors through a monetary donation >> Pillsbury United Communities🍎

It is true that we are stronger together, and you demonstrate that with a love of humanity that spreads kindness and care you offer to communities.

Thank you!

Elizabeth Brisbin

October 29, 2025

Resources from Hennepin County Regarding SNAP Benefits

Details

Due to the federal government shutdown, you may not receive your SNAP or MFIP food benefit payment in November.

Hennepin County’s role

County staff are ready to enter your information into the system and will continue to work on SNAP and MFIP cases as much as possible, to be prepared for quick approval when the shutdown ends. Please continue to apply if you might be eligible.
We understand that this situation is confusing and frustrating, and that it will be disruptive for you and your family.

The state’s role

[For people with existing SNAP and MFIP cases] The state sent out an electronic communication (text or email) on Tuesday, October 21.
The state will be updating their federal shutdown webpage for SNAP and MFIP impacts. You may find useful information there. You can find it at Federal shutdown information | Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families.

Resources for residents

There are resources available to you in your community.
If you have children 5 and younger, you may be able to get help through the WIC program. Visit WIC: Women, Infants and Children | Hennepin County for information.
If you visit Find Help – Hunger Solutions, you can enter your address to find resources near you.
You can also call the Minnesota Food Helpline at 1-888-711-1151 or you can call United Way 211.
Food shelves are very busy right now. You may have to leave a message and wait for a call back.
The state will be updating their federal shutdown webpage for SNAP. You may find useful information there. You can find it at Federal shutdown information | Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families.

Will Heller

October 26, 2025

“Freedom Tree Garden” Installed At Oak Park Neighborhood Center

On an otherwise unassuming morning in early August, Project Sweetie Pie set out to plant some trees.

Gathering under the blazing summer sun with shovels in hand, a group of youth and supervisors gathered to hone their horticultural skills and contribute to their community’s environmental health. What resulted was the “Freedom Tree Garden.”

The gravel bed tree farm, located at 1701 Oak Park Avenue N in Minneapolis, seeks to address issues surrounding food and climate justice, as well as bolster environmental literacy for the surrounding community. This coming Indigenous People’s Day, trees from the garden will be given to North Minneapolis residents in need of increased green canopy cover.

This project represents a community-wide collaboration in its truest form, with twelve different organizations participating in the project. A full list of participating organizations can be found below. The gathering was further enriched by a visit from John Evans, formerly from Hennepin County, who returned from retirement to participate in the construction of the tree garden.

The story of Project Sweetie Pie and these gravel bed tree farms is far from over, with plans to install more at the Loppet Foundation.

Photos provided by Juan Coleman

Participating Organizations:

City of Minneapolis Health Department Green Careers
Project Sweetie Pie
Minneapolis Parks & Recreation
Birch Tree/LLC
To Succeed You Must Read
Black Lives Matter
Consultjssj
The Minnesota Horticulture Society
Abode Research
Zintkala Luta
Minneapolis PAL
Hennepin County Sheriff’s Department

Will Heller

October 19, 2025

Interns Showcase Their Experiences And Achievements At The 2025 Summer Showcase

Pillsbury House + Theatre was abuzz with activity during the 2025 Summer Internship Showcase as community members gathered to see what our interns had been working on over the past few months. The theater itself was host to a vibrant program of readings and performances, while all throughout the building, interns had the opportunity to share the impact of their experiences in media, agriculture, fashion, and more. All in all, it was a day of learning, discovery, and celebration of the incredible achievements of our hardworking interns.

Youth Internships have always been a crucial part of Pillsbury United Communities’ ongoing efforts to prepare our communities’ youth for a wide range of career paths, and these summer internships were no exception. We are incredibly grateful for all of the interns who chose to spend their summer with us, as well as the community members and partners who make it possible for us to be able to offer these programs.

Photo Credit: David Pierini

Elizabeth Brisbin

October 15, 2025

Problem Gambling Resources from MN DHS

One in three Minnesotans knows someone with a gambling problem.

According to a recent survey, one in three people said they knew someone with a gambling problem. And yet, many of us believe that it can be controlled by willpower alone. Compulsive gambling is a serious disorder that causes psychological, financial, emotional, marital and legal difficulties for people with a gambling addiction, their families and their friends. But there is help. And there is hope.

Will Heller

October 13, 2025

Waite House Center Hosts Phillips Community Health Fair

On August 6th, 2025, members of the Phillips community gathered for a day of learning, free health screenings, live music, backpack giveaways, and more – all as part of the Phillips Community Health Fair. Hosted at Wait House Center, the event connected members of the surrounding community with resources of all kinds, from kids activities and haircuts to testing for Covid-19 and HIV.

This health fair is part of a broader effort by Pillsbury United Communities to provide Minneapolis residents with increased access to health resources, with additional health fairs hosted at North Market in the Webber-Camden neighborhood and the Brian Coyle Center in Cedar-Riverside. We are grateful for the ongoing support of all of the attendees, community partners, and sponsors who make events like this possible.

Elizabeth Brisbin

October 12, 2025

North News’ Azhae’la Hanson was recently honored with a Mel Reeves ‘Justice Then Peace’ Legacy Award

👏 Join us in congratulating Azhae’la Hanson! 🏆

North News: Pride of the Northside, By David Pierini, North News Editor

“North News’ Azhae’la Hanson was recently honored with a Mel Reeves ‘Justice Then Peace’ Legacy Award for journalism integrity and commitment to community. The award is named after the late journalist and activist and is presented by the Black Women’s Wealth Alliance, Mel’s Place Soul Food Restaurant, and Vegan Byy Nature. “

https://mynorthnews.org/about

North News is an Enterprise of Pillsbury Unites Communities. https://pillsburyunited.org/social-enterprises/

Elizabeth Brisbin

October 9, 2025

Gillette Children’s Medical Career Discovery Day for Youth

Gillette Children’s is excited to host a Medical Career Discovery Day for Youth on Saturday, November 15 at their St. Paul campus!This free, hands-on event is designed to inspire the next generation of healthcare heroes — bringing together students (Grades 3+), parents, educators, and community leaders for a day of exploration and fun.

📅 Saturday, November 15
📍 Gillette Children’s campus, St. Paul
🎟️ Free — registration required: https://tinyurl.com/44shctkw

👩‍⚕️ Meet real clinicians
🧪 Try interactive medical activities
🏥 Learn about exciting healthcare careers
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Open to students and their parents/guardians

Whether your child dreams of being a doctor, nurse, therapist, or scientist — or is just curious — this is a great chance to explore what’s possible.

Elizabeth Brisbin

October 3, 2025

Legal Aid Lights the Way

You’re Invited! Support Our Minneapolis Community Legal Clinics

Join us for an evening of community, craft brews, and a cause that matters. Your support helps us reach the clients who need us most — ensuring access to justice across Minneapolis.

Support our Minneapolis based Community Legal Clinics! It’s the best way to reach clients who need us most. 🍻 Enjoy great company, local beer, and the chance to make a real impact!

📅 Date: Tuesday, October 21, 2025

🕛 Time: 5-8:00pm

📍 Location: Surly Brewing Co. | 52o Malcolm Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414

Individual Ticket $25 | Couples Ticket $45

Purchase Tickets Your ticket supports free legal clinics that provide vital services to underserved communities in Minneapolis. Let’s raise a glass to justice for all!

Want to help make a bigger impact in your community? Become an event sponsor! You can be a supporter of Legal Aid Lights the Way! Reach out to Development Officer, Kristina Quanbeck, for more information at {612} 746-3730 or [email protected].