Ruby's Pantry announces end to all operations in MN, WI and IA

BEMIDJI — Ruby’s Pantry, a faith-based nonprofit distributing items for pop-up food pantries across the Midwest for more than 20 years, announced it is closing its operation.

In a statement on its website, the nonprofit stated it had been working for months on “thoughtfully realigning the work, structure and focus of Ruby’s Pantry,” but as of Tuesday, March 31, it would end the pantry operations immediately.

“This decision comes with heavy hearts, but after much prayer and consideration, the ministry is no longer financially sustainable," the statement read. “We are deeply grateful for every volunteer, donor and family who has been part of this journey.”

Ruby’s Pantry monthly pop-ups in Northern Minnesota — like Aitkin, Baudette, Bemidji, Brainerd, Eveleth, Grand Marais, Grand Rapids, Hermantown, Menahga, Roseau and Silver Bay — will all cease to operate, among the 87 locations in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa.

Bemidji’s Ruby’s Pantry was organized by leaders of Mt. Zion Church since 2017. The monthly popup quickly outgrew the church, with organizers instead collaborating with the Sanford Center as a distribution site due to the event’s popularity.

Bemidji Ruby’s Pantry stated in a social media announcement that as of Wednesday, it is unclear if or how reimbursements for food shares already purchased for April would be returned.

Ruby’s Pantry distributed 242,000 food bundles, or “shares,” at low cost during its most recent year of service.

Bemidji Community Food Shelf Executive Director Jennifer Aakre said Ruby’s Pantry played an important role in the communities they served.

“I remember when my kids were little, we utilized Ruby's Pantry," she said. "We know that this is going to create gaps for people in who relied on Ruby's Pantry, and so we expect to see an increased need as a result.”

Bemidji Community Food Shelf, at 1260 Exchange Ave. SE, will implement new evening hours once a month beginning 5-7 p.m. Monday, with more evening hours possible depending on turnout. Its regular hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday.