welcome to the bridge.

1 in 10 Minnesotans experiences nutrition insecurity.  We're here to help.
Most of our guests find that due to unexpected expenses such as an emergency medical visit, increased heating bills, loss of job or relocation to the community, they can use a temporary food source to 'bridge' the gap.

VISIT US.

​​If it's your first visit, you will be asked to fill out two forms and show a proof of residency such as a utility bill (electric, telephone, water, etc.)

To speed up the process, you can bring the completed forms:

hours of operation.

Every Tuesday 8:00 AM – 12 Noon.
First Tuesday of the month, extended hours: 8:00 am - 12 Noon, and 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

If assistance is needed outside of these times you can call 218-346-6181, leave a voice message with your name and telephone number, and someone will contact you to make arrangements for an emergency box.

The Bridge will not open on Tuesdays if the Perham School district is closed due to inclement weather AND the week between Christmas and New Years.

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 or Baby Food are tossed out immediately. 

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

OUR LOCATION.


NEED ​TRANSPORTATION?

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

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.
  • Late-minute trips may be accommodated depending on availability.

food help line.

1-888-711-1151  (Monday - Friday , 8:30am-4:30pm)