Our Mission
We're here to solve a big challenge with a very simple solution.
The Fieldhouse was founded on the belief that there is already enough. Enough produce. Enough generosity. Enough community. We simply help abundance flow by connecting growers, grocers, volunteers, and local partners to ensure fresh produce reaches every corner of Minnesota.
The Roots
Our Story
In Minnesota, we grow a lot of good things. Honeycrisp apples that are crunchy to the core. Tomatoes that smell like sunshine. Carrots that snap the way they’re supposed to.
And yet, every day, perfectly nourishing produce gets tossed aside. Too crooked. Too small. Too oddly shaped. Not “shelf-ready.” Meanwhile, right here in our very own neighborhoods, families are living without consistent access to fresh produce.
That never made sense to us.
So we started small. Really small. We began moving the food ourselves, loading it up, driving it across town, delivering it by hand. It was simple: if the people couldn’t get the food, we’d bring the food to the people.
But we quickly learned something important. Communities aren’t built by a couple people with a car and a good intention. They’re built when growers, grocers, volunteers, donors, and neighbors all say, “I can help.” That’s when The Fieldhouse truly began.
Today, we work as a registered not-for-profit across Minnesota to make sure abundance doesn’t end up in a landfill. We connect the dots between those who have and those who need. We help the good stuff move from farms to fridges, and from surplus to supper tables so every belly in our neighborhood has a chance to be full.
The Nitty Gritty
What is The Fieldhouse?
The Fieldhouse is a mobile food pantry that rescues fresh produce that would otherwise go to waste and redistributes it to communities in need. We focus on staple ingredients — the building blocks of nourishing meals — and deliver them directly to neighborhoods through local partnerships.
Who do you serve?
We serve individuals and families who need support accessing fresh food. There are no complicated requirements. If you need food, you are welcome.
Where and when do you distribute food?
We operate as a mobile pantry and distribute food at partner locations in Southeast MN, including local church parking lots and community sites. Keep an eye out on our website and social media for our schedule and locations.
What kind of food do you provide?
We provide staple produce such as onions, garlic, carrots, celery, and other essential ingredients for cooking. We are not a full grocery store as our goal is to supply the basics that help stretch meals and support real home cooking. Availability varies depending on what we rescue that week.
Do you have dry goods?
We do not distribute dry goods. Our focus is fresh, rescued produce. We intentionally partner alongside local food shelves to strengthen the overall food network — supplying the fresh basics while they provide shelf-stable items.
Where does the food come from?
We partner with local grocers and farmers to rescue surplus produce that is still fresh and safe but would otherwise be discarded. All food is handled with care and distributed same day as pick up. We do not store food overnight.
What do you do with the food you don't distribute?
We work hard to distribute everything we rescue. When surplus remains, we donate it to local farmers so it can be used productively rather than wasted.
We are also developing partnerships with farmers to create a closed-loop system — where surplus produce supports livestock, and in return, fresh eggs can be redistributed to the communities we serve. Our goal is simple: zero waste and maximum nourishment.
Is the food free?
Yes. All food distributed by The Fieldhouse is provided at no cost to recipients.
How can I volunteer?
We rely on volunteers to pick up, sort, and distribute food. Opportunities are available for individuals, churches, and community groups. Partner with us via our sign up form here.
How can I partner or donate?
We welcome partnerships with: Grocers and farmers who have surplus produce, Churches or organizations willing to host distribution days, Individuals and businesses who want to financially support our mission as a registered 501(c)(3), donations are tax-deductible.
Don’t be a Stranger
Have an idea, surplus, or space to share? We’d love to connect and see what we can grow together. Give us a shout!