<p>Lakes Area Food Shelf is grateful to have served the Brainerd Lakes Area area for over 40 years. We were established in 1980 by Donald Messick, a former grocery executive who resided in Pequot Lakes, with the help of the Lutheran Church of the Cross and Christ Community Church, both of Nisswa. Due to its rapid growth, we were named “Lakes Area Food Shelf” in 1991. We're a 501 c 3 public charity, and we operate solely on financial, food, and other donations. We have earned the trust of the thousands of people we’ve served each year and have become a primary community resource for people facing hunger and seeking assistance with major barriers.</p><p>Our Mission: To serve as a trusted community resource by helping our friends and neighbors become hunger-free and obtain a healthy lifestyle. Our Vision: That we serve friends and neighbors in time of need, with many now able to help others.</p><p>Our Core Values: We are: 1) Non-judgmental to all who seek assistance. 2) Approachable for all. 3) Principled in our service delivery and decision-making. 4) Respected stewards of resources.</p>