Fighting Hunger. Feeding Hope.

Because when people are nourished, communities thrive.

At Nourish, we believe food is more than a meal—it’s connection, dignity, and hope.

We are a volunteer-powered, community-centered organization rooted in the belief that no one should go hungry.

Every day, we work hand-in-hand with neighbors, local businesses, and partners to create a more nourished St. Paul—one meal, one smile, one act of kindness at a time.

Andrea Thomas, Nourish Founder

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What We Do

Community Food Distributions

NOURISH offers weekly distributions where families can access fresh produce, pantry staples, and ready-to-eat meals. We use a client choice model so that our neighbors enjoy an experience most similar to visiting their local grocer…without the overwhelming burden to pay. On Sundays, we offer community elders and the immunocompromised an “Hour of Power" when they don’t have to stand in line and only fresh, organic food is offered.

Fresh Produce Markets

Starting each July, we offer bulk produce to our neighbors. In partnership with our local foodbank and community gardens, NOURISH plants the seed to grow a community that is health conscious. We want to do our part towards addressing the lack of affordable fresh food in a community that deserves to thrive!

School Partnerships

Collaborating with local universities and schools to provide opportunities for real -world learning, community connection, and program sustainability means everyone wins. Whether you’re a social work, business, liberal arts, or public health major, there’s a place for you at NOURISH. When we all work towards the common good everyone wins.

Culturally Relevant Food Programs

We prioritize choice and dignity by offering culturally familiar foods that reflect the diversity of our community. Whether it’s fresh food to prepare at home or a prepared meal from Kitchen Coalition, consistently sourcing food that is culturally appropriate for our neighbors is a priority for NOURISH.

Nutrition Education

Hosting workshops and sharing resources on cooking, budgeting, and healthy eating to support long-term well-being helps our neighbors to make better choices for their families and helps the community thrive. NOURISH focuses on bringing healthy, fresh foods into the community and using a neighbor-centered model so that everyone can access foods that strengthen their bodies & minds.

Emergency Food Response

Responding quickly during times of crisis—whether it’s a natural disaster, agency placement or economic downturn—to be sure no one goes hungry. Well, that's how NOURISH was born. From a call to help those impacted by COVID-19 to reimagining food access for those who never thought they would visit a food shelf, NOURISH has proven that we can remove the stigma associated with accessing good, nutritious food!

Impact Stories

From Wanda C

I want to take a minute to thank you for the work of Mt Olivet food lab [NOURISH]. I've visited a number of times, and the love and respect given to folks receiving food is so beautiful, on top of meeting basic needs.

I've brought many people to food shelves in the past, and find myself now needing help. And there's something special at your site. The kindness each person has shown me when I pick up food can only be explained as a reflection of the love of Christ within you. Thank you for giving your Saturday mornings to serve the neighborhood. May God continue to bless you, and bless your work.

RJ and his mom, Hatia

When NOURISH was originally founded, RJ and his mother Hiatia visited our weekly distributions. One of our regular volunteers was RJ’s preschool teacher by day. RJ would tell her that he’d see her to get his goodies over the weekend. RJ’s mother often expressed that she was grateful for our Grab n Go format because we offered good quality food and we always had RJ’s favorite cereal. RJ was also excited because he was able to wear the mask that received from our program to his preschool.

Since those early days, we have remembered how such small things as having quality food, finding just the right masks, cereal, and having treats for kids can go a long way toward making families feel welcome and ensuring they are treated with dignity. At NOURISH, we are more than a food shelf. We are a community!