​WELCOME TO THE BRIDGE

Most of our guests find that due to unexpected expenses such as emergency medical bills, increased heating bills, loss of job or relocation to the community, they can use a temporary food source to 'bridge' the gap.
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Guests can shop one time per month. Please contact us if you have already come and are in a crisis.
Who can access The Bridge?
  • Anyone who lives or works in Perham.
  • Anyone who lives or works in Dent, Ottertail, Richville, or Vergas can access the Mobile Pantry (or can come to the Perham location if you are not able to make it to the mobile). 
  • To qualify you must verify that you meet the TEFAP requirements. You do not need to show proof and no one will be turned away.
You can access the TEFAP form on the right. You will be asked to bring this form with you, or complete it at your first visit and annually.
2025_tefap_english.pdf
File Size: 2150 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

​USDA FOOD SAFETY GUIDELINES.

The Bridge follows USDA Food Safety Guidelines for food shelf life:
  • Products past their 'Sell by' or 'Best by' date, that still meet USDA food safety guidelines, are placed on the Free Shelf.
  • Volunteers explain to guests that these products either don't fit well in with other categories or may be beyond Sell by/Best by date.
  • Any products past their 'Use by' date are tossed out immediately.

Information regarding USDA labeling and food safety can be found at www.fsis.usda.gov.

​NEED ​TRANSPORTATION?

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Otter Tail Express and Perham Food Shelf Partner For Rides To And From The Bridge. 

The Otter Tail Express accepts a coupon as payment for a ride to and from the Perham Community Shelf. Coupons are available at the Food Shelf. call 866-998-3002 to schedule a ride. When the bus arrives to pick you up inform the driver that you will be securing two transportation coupons from the Food Shelf to cover the cost of the ride. The coupons are located at the Food Shelf check in desk.
Office Hours: Monday - Friday 7am - 6pm
Otter Tail Transit services include: 
  • Curb to curb service.
  • Assistance for passengers with special needs.
  • Assistance with handling small parcels.
  • Three and four wheeled mobility aids can be accommodated (must not exceed 30" in width, 48" in length, and 600 pounds when occupied).
  • Two day advance notice recommended to secure reservations.

Minnesota Hunger Solutions

1-888-711-1151  (Monday - Friday , 8:30am-4:30pm)
Visit the food help website