Area residents who utilize the Becker food shelf will be heading to Becker Furniture World for the foreseeable future, as renovations at the Becker City Hall will force a temporary relocation of the facility.

Food Shelf Coordinator Marilyn Danielson was given three weeks’ notice that the current space would need to be vacated and have all food/equipment removed by June 21 to facilitate the beginning of the remodel project.  This left her scrambling to put a halt to incoming food deliveries, as well to donate any food that was left over to other area agencies.

While many food shelves have residency requirements, Danielson worked the phones and was able to identify three organizations that would accept and provide their services to Becker residents during the temporary closure. It appeared that the local food shelf would be halted for up to nine months.

Then, this last Tuesday, Becker Furniture World stepped up and offered to host the food shelf until City Hall construction was complete, meaning that a vital link for numerous area residents would remain viable.

“We are so very happy that Becker Furniture World stepped up and offered to host us,” Danielson said.  “It will take a little bit before we can be in there, as we need to do some construction.”

Danielson said she was given a timeframe of eight to nine months before the renovations might be complete at City Hall, and that estimate was verified with Becker City Administrator Greg Lerud.  

Until the location at Becker Furniture World is ready to open, Danielson said people can utilize the other agencies with whom she had made agreements.

Residents can contact the Big Lake food shelf (160 Lake St. N.) at 763-263-2432 to schedule online ordering by appointment, while the Clearwater food shelf (1100 Co. Rd. 75 NW) is open Tuesdays from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. and Wednesdays from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m.

The Monticello Help Center is located at 224 W. 3rd St. and is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until noon.

Residents needing a ride to one of the alternate locations can contact Faith in Action.

The Patriot will publish any updates to the food shelf situation in the future, and we will carry an official re-opening notice when those plans become more concrete.