BASIC NEEDS INC OF SOUTH WASHINGTON COUNTY
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Mission Statement
MISSION STATEMENT: “Support the basic needs of those in our community such as housing, food, clothing, and coordinated services."
About This Cause
Basic Needs Inc. of South Washington County uplifts individuals and families who have experienced hardship by providing barrier-free access to food, clothing, household goods, and referrals to essential services. Rooted in community and powered by volunteers, we ensure that every neighbor has access to what they need, when they need it most. Core Programs & 2024 Impact Basic Needs Food Market Celebrating its first year in 2024, our client-choice Food Market served 85,939 adults, 50,334 children, and 26,716 seniors—a total of 162,989 neighbors. With dignity and choice at its core, the Market distributed 622,719 pounds of food, primarily rescued from local grocery stores and distributors. An additional 21,649 pounds were diverted from landfills through our compost and food-for-hogs program. School Food Rescue In partnership with SoWashCo CARES, District 833 and SoWashCo Schools Nutrition Services, we launched a new School Food Rescue initiative. In 2024, students diverted food from becoming waste by rescuing it for distribution at the Basic Needs Food Market. Together, we recovered food from five schools—Cottage Grove Middle, Armstrong Elementary, Grey Cloud Elementary, Crestview Elementary, and Pine Hill Elementary—helping feed families while reducing waste. Total school-related rescue was 8,684 pounds. Expansion to all 23 schools was achieved in the first quarter of 2025! Park Grove Library Food Shelf Located inside the public library in Cottage Grove, this satellite food shelf expanded access to neighbors in need. In 2024, 37,400 pounds of food were distributed through this location, providing a low-barrier, community-trusted option for families. Thrift Shop & Emergency Voucher Program Our Thrift Shop not only offers affordable goods but also provided $10,270 in emergency thrift vouchers to families in crisis in 2024. Our full-time volunteer manager team led the shop to exceed revenue goals while serving thousands with dignity and care. Growth for Good Community Garden Our 75x75-foot ADA-accessible community garden in Newport, MN, yielded 828 pounds of fresh produce in 2024, donated to our Food Market and senior housing residents. The garden also serves as an educational space focused on sustainability, pollinators, composting, and water conservation. PIT Stop Community Resource Fair In November 2024, Basic Needs organized South Washington County’s first PIT Stop (Point-In-Time) event, serving 400+ individuals, including 13 people placed in housing. Over 40 local partners participated, offering hygiene supplies, warm meals, coordinated care, and more. $2,000 in gas and food cards were distributed on-site. Culturally Relevant Food Program In collaboration with Washington County Public Health and East African community leaders, we distributed culturally appropriate halal food through targeted events in Woodbury and Cottage Grove. With support from The Food Group and a new dedicated halal freezer from Washington County this program will continue through 2025. Social Service Referrals & Crisis Navigation We connect families with housing support, transportation aid, car repair help, and workforce resources through our partnerships with The Connect Center, SoWashCo Schools, and local service agencies. Our “no wrong door” approach ensures community members are guided to the help they need.