Food is Just the Beginning at Hastings Family Service

Hastings Family Service is a Second Harvest Heartland partner food shelf in Hastings, MN. But food is just one part of the equation for the families that visit.

“Food programs are what really bring people to us,” says Hastings Family Service Executive Director Amy Sutton. “And then, if we can find out from them what's caused their need for food, sometimes there are other things we can do.”

One of the biggest ways that Hastings Family Service provides more than food to the neighbors they serve is through their Rivertown Treasures Thrift Store. While the thrift store also raises money for the organization through selling donated items, families can get vouchers to access gently used clothing, shoes, and houseware at no cost, which helps stretch their budgets.

“When I started [coming to Hastings Family Service], I started getting the clothes vouchers and that was a great help,” said Kaffie, a retired grandmother and food shelf shopper. “Because, you know, the rents are so high and I'm on limited income. So, the clothes are great.”

Kaffie loves the fresh produce as well as the clothing at Hastings Family Service.

Some of the additional wraparound services that Hastings Family Service can provide to neighbors include a transportation program, an emergency financial assistance program, Meals on Wheels, school supply assistance, and holiday assistance for food and gifts. The organization also partners with many other agencies to provide resources and referrals.

“One of the good things about Hastings Family Service is we have an array of programs that really span ages, span families, singles, seniors,” says Amy Sutton. “There's something here for everyone. And I think that's important because every person comes in with a different need and a different story.”

Scott shops for himself and his girlfriend at the food shelf.

According to Scott, a previously unhoused Hastings resident, the organization will walk you through getting the assistance you need, step by step. “They'll help you with getting a state ID and I believe they help with people’s phone or electric bills when needed,” said Scott. “It’s food, clothing, shelter. They’ll help you with shelter supplies, even put pans in your house if you need it.”

The Market on the Move van gets fresh produce out into the community.

Due to increased demand for food in the years following the pandemic, Hasting Family Service expanded their food programs, including more mobile food distributions at places like senior living complexes. This visibility makes people more familiar with the organization and staff. 

“We're having more of these touch points around food and because of all those multiple touch points, it does give us an opportunity to interact more often with more people,” says Program Director Amy Tix.

Yvette and her aunt Carola shop together at Hastings Family Service.

As Yvette, a food shelf shopper who visits Hastings Family Service with her elderly aunt, explained, “You come in for food and then like, Amy [Tix] would always talk to us. ‘How's it going? What's going on?’ And suppose we tell her in passing, ‘Well, [my aunt] is having trouble paying her utilities,’ and she's like, ‘well, there's a program for that.’ I mean, she got us on energy assistance so that my aunt’s bills were cut in half.”

“We're not partnering with people if we're just handing things out to them and assuming what they need,” says Amy Sutton. “If we can partner with people, we can find a much longer-term and sustainable solution.”