January 2026 E-News
"May the new year bring warmth, love, and light to guide our community's path to a positive destination.” – Unknown
"Out of the mountain of despair, a stone of hope." -- Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
To request this information in another language or format, please contact [email protected]. Si aad u codsato foomkan oo qaab ama luqad kale ah, fadlan la xiriir [email protected]. Para solicitar esta información en otro idioma o formato, póngase en contacto con [email protected].
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EPNI stands with, welcomes and supports our immigrant neighbors
EPNI stands in solidarity with our immigrant neighbors. We are here to offer support and help connect neighbors with rights and resources, and to connect neighbors who have help to offer, with neighbors who need help.
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- Need rights and resources information? Click HERE for an immigration rights and resource guide in English, Somali and Spanish, with a list of resources to learn about your constitutional legal rights, find free legal advice and services by phone or at in-person clinics, get help if a loved one is detained; as well as resources for community members or property and business owners who want to help.
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- Do you want to help your neighbors OR do you need help? Click HERE to sign up with the Elliot Park Neighbor Support in English, Somali and Spanish, to either offer your help to neighbors, or to request help with grocery and basic supplies delivery, safely getting where you need to go, or getting connected to other kinds of resources.
We are stronger together. Questions about getting connected to help and resources, or with how to help your neighbors, or need translation or other accommodations? Contact us at [email protected] or (612) 234-2280.
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City of Minneapolis - Immigration Updates
What to do if you see ICE in your neighborhood
Everyone has constitutional protections — regardless of immigration status.
Before opening your door to ICE, know your rights, as recommended by the Immigrant Law Center. Remember to assert them calmly and safely. Find more Know Your Rights resources on our website.
  
Know Your Rights
The Immigrant Law Center suggests the following if federal immigration agents come to your home.
Remember:
- ICE needs a judge-signed warrant with your name and address to enter.
- You can ask them to show you the warrant through the window or under the door.
- If there is no valid warrant, you have the right to keep your door closed.
With increased federal immigration activities, residents and community members are asking what to do if they see ICE in their neighborhood. Due to our City’s separation ordinance, MPD does not work with ICE on immigration enforcement operations and cannot interfere with those operations.
If there are threats of violence, actual violence, or destruction of property, MPD officers may respond to assess the situation, de-escalate when possible, and ensure public safety for everyone.
Call 911 right away if:
- You see someone with a gun and they are not wearing anything that identifies them as law enforcement.
- You hear gunshots or see someone firing a gun.
- Someone is being assaulted.
- A person is being taken by force into an unmarked vehicle and you don’t know if law enforcement is involved.
When you call 911, describe what you see. Officers may come to assess the situation.
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What’s new:
- An executive order by Mayor Frey – now codified in the ordinance – prevents Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from staging on City-owned lots and ramps
- New reports to Mayor and City Council
- Updated training for employees on the separation ordinance
What doesn’t change:
- The City does not participate in immigration enforcement and will not self-deploy to an ICE-related event
- MPD protects the safety of everyone, regardless of immigration status
As we witness increased federal immigration enforcement throughout the Twin Cities, we are committed to doing everything in our power to keep our community safe and support everyone living in fear of being targeted.
MPD is dedicated to community policing as a means of reducing crime while building community trust. Therefore, MPD will investigate criminal activity without regard to a person’s actual or perceived immigration status. Doing otherwise would have a chilling effect on our ability to provide public safety to our community. Read more on the City's website.
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More City of Minneapolis Immigrant Resources:
  
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How to prepare:
- Make a plan to prepare your family.
- Carry a “know-your-rights” card.
- Keep your immigration papers on you at all times.
- Meet with a lawyer to learn about your immigration options.
- Learn how to prepare for an immigration encounter. Attend a workshop, information session or community hours.
Visit the City’s website to learn all this and more.
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NEW biweekly Winter 2026 Food Distribution Schedule - Resumed Weds. Jan. 7th!
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Join us -- Community Cooking Class, 1st/3rd/5th Wednesday mornings!
Join your neighbors for a free community cooking class, featuring new recipes with healthy ingredients from the Food Distributions! Interested in co-leading a class with your favorite recipe? Contact Jessica at [email protected] or text/call us at 612-234-2280.
1st/3rd/(5th) Wednesdays: Join the cooking class from 10-11am, and stay for lunch together. You can try out the new meal you cooked, as well as a free lunch from Mobile Loaves (11am-noon)!
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Interested in donating or volunteering to support our Elliot Park Food Distribution efforts?
Drop off your non-perishable food donations (especially "grab & go" / no cook items, and canned goods, pasta, rice, etc.) to Elliot Park & Rec Center during open hours — every contribution helps feed our neighbors! And we’re always seeking volunteers to lend a hand. Click the button below to sign up!
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Share Your Feedback on the Local Art Included in the Elliot Park Neighborhood Mural!
Your Community Voice Needed: Help Tell Elliot Park’s Story Through a Mural!
Share your feedback on the art to be included in the Elliot Park mural HERE.
Elliot Park Neighborhood (EPNI) and North Central University are teaming up for an exciting community mural creation—and we want your feedback to bring our community’s story to life!
The Vision:
We’re looking for bold, vibrant mural designs that:
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Celebrate Elliot Park’s history, diversity, and future
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Feel welcoming, inclusive, and inspiring to all
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Reflect the spirit of our neighborhood and its people
The Canvas: The winning design(s) will be painted on the Praise FM building (15th St. & Chicago Ave.) by a team of NCU students and community volunteers in Spring-Summer 2026.
This fall, three local artists submitted their artwork to be part of the Elliot Park community mural. Please share your feedback about the artwork submissions by completing this short form HERE: https://forms.gle/mqE3maMRtyBKUazi8
Questions? Email [email protected] Let’s make something beautiful together!
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Has this newsletter helped you connect to local resources? Have you enjoyed a neighborhood event we’ve put on, or met neighbors through a neighborhood meeting? Elliot Park Neighborhood could use your support! We’re hoping to raise $750 from neighbors like you within the next month.
The money we raise will go towards:
- Translating our print materials to make sure our programs are accessible
- Nitty-gritty event details, like food, outreach, etc.
- Keeping our organization going by paying our staff and book keeper.
Your gift, no matter the size, helps us fight food insecurity, support tenant organizing, advocate for equitable development, and make sure every neighbor feels seen, heard, and supported.
Together, our small contributions add up to real impact in Elliot Park. Join us, join your neighbors, and let’s show what happens when generosity meets action. Help us hit our goal and keep our community thriving!
Every donation helps, and every neighbor counts!
Donation Tiers (Every Donation Helps):
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$5 – "The Friendly Neighbor" 🍽️
- Covers compostable utensils for community events!
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$20 – "The Connector” 🤝
- Prints flyers to rally neighbors for upcoming events!
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$50 – "The Cookie Commander” ☕🍪
- Keeps volunteers energized with snacks & coffee at meetings!
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$100 – "The Environment Guardian" 🌳
- Funds clean up days for our neighborhood!
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$500 – "The Neighborhood Hero" ❤️
- Funds a neighborhood event OR directs funds where they’re needed most!
Will you help us reach our goal? You can donate by clicking here.
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EPNI January Calendar
To request interpreting services or accommodations for these events, please contact [email protected]. Si aad u codsato turjubaan ama waafajin, fadlan la xiriir [email protected]. Para solicitar servicios de interpretación o adaptaciones para estos actos, póngase en contacto con [email protected].
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Please visit the EPNI web Calendar for event details & to RSVP! Also post and share our January Event Calendar flyer (PDF) which is linked here and posted above.
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Wednesday, January 14th - Elliot Park Joint Land Use & Transportation + Neighborhood Vitality Committees Meeting
6:30-8:00pm • At Elliot Park Rec Center, 1000 E. 14th Ave. (during construction - enter on the 8th St. side!) or participate via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84231574529
ALL are welcome to the Joint EPNI Neighborhood Vitality & Land Use Committees meeting—bring your ideas and connect with your neighbors! This joint committee structure is your "one-stop shop" for involvement in new and ongoing projects serving our shared Elliot Park community.
Here is the 1/14/26 EPNI Joint Committee agenda: Bring your ideas for 2026 priorities and planning, including how we come together to strengthen our neighborhood networks and grow our supports & resource connection for our immigrant neighbors.
At the Land Use & Transportation committee, bring your questions for guest presenters: 1) Gustave Stewart, Minneapolis Transportation Planner, on the Elliot Park Traffic Safety Improvements project on 11th Ave. S from 17th St E to 4th St S.; and 2) Margo Geffen, Hennepin HealthCare Real Estate and Facilities Senior Director, on its Addiction Medicine development.
At the Neighborhood Vitality committee, join the community networks & immigrant support discussion. Hear about updates and involvement opportunities on a number of current projects, including biweekly Elliot Park Food Distributions and the Elliot Park community mural and Mini-Grant projects.
Bring your voice -- ALL are welcome! Questions or want to learn more? Contact [email protected] or call/text (612) 234-2280. See you there!
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Wednesday, January 21st - Free Groceries, Cooking Class, Free Lunch & Hygiene Supplies
9:30am-11:30am (or until supplies last!) • At Elliot Park Rec Center, 1000 E. 14th Ave. (during construction - enter on the 8th St. side!)
Join our free Grocery Distribution, Community Cooking Class (10:00-11:00am) and free bagged lunch + hygiene supplies, in partnership with the EPNI Food Access Work Group, MPRB - Elliot Park, Jericho Road and Mobile Loaves!
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Monday, January 26th - Elliot Park Food Access Meeting
4:00-5:00pm (NEW time!) • At Elliot Park Rec Center, 1000 E. 14th Ave. (enter on the 8th St. side during construction)
Join neighbors to work collectively on our food access goals, such as:
- Bring a Grocery Store or Co-op to Elliot Park
- Expand Food-sharing Community Gardens
- Continue to build our Food Distribution Program
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Monday, January 26th - EPNI Board Meeting
6:00-7:30pm • At Elliot Park Rec Center, 1000 E. 14th Ave. (enter on the 8th St. side during construction) **NOTE: This meeting is rescheduled from the regular 3rd Monday meeting, due to MLK Day on 1/19/26.
Your voice matters, and your insights are invaluable. Join the EPNI monthly Board meeting to stay informed, share your ideas, and help shape the future of our community. Together, we can make our neighborhood an even better place to live. ALL are welcome -- see you there!
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Do you have a suggestion or question for Elliot Park Neighborhood Inc.? Email [email protected] or text / call (612) 234-2280 and we will get back to you soon!
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January Community Calendar
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Wednesday, January 14th - Metro Transit - Zero Emissions Summit • 12:00-1:00pm • Online: Register HERE
- During this virtual session, Metro Transit staff will provide an update on current battery-electric bus operations, including recent progress and insights gained from implementing these technologies.
- Zero Emission Transition Plan Report HERE
Wednesday, January 15th: DEADLINE for applying for E-Bikes for Businesses Grant!
Minnesota businesses and organizations can receive a grant to purchase bicycles and electric-assisted bicycles (e-bikes) for commercial use through the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's (MPCA) Small Business Environmental Assistance Program!
Information to help applicants submit proposals and access the online application portal can be found on the e-bikes for business grant webpage.
Applications are due no later than 4 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, through the SWIFT Supplier Portal.
Monday, January 19th - FREE 28th Annual MLK Day Celebration at Powderhorn Park • 10:00am - 1:30pm • At Powderhorn Park, 3400 15th Ave. S.
Celebrate in community with us to honor & embody the teachings of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on love, interconnectedness, and strength through collective joy with compelling live performances, an engaging gift station for kids, and a free lunch for attendees! More information at: ppna.org/mlkcelebration
Tuesday, January 20th - National Day of Racial Healing • 6:00-7:30pm • Online: Register HERE
An annual observance held the day after Martin Luther King Jr. Day. This day continues to grow as people across the country come together in their workplaces, neighborhoods, and communities to build connection, foster belonging, and imagine a more equitable future. Featured speakers include former Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges and former Minnesota State Representative Mee Moua.
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Thursday, January 22nd - Brain Health Awareness Day • 11:00am-2:00pm • At Hennepin HealthCare Clinic & Specialty Center, 715 S. 8th St.
Join us at this free community event focusing on brain health across the lifespan.
- Connect with Hennepin Healthcare brain health experts and community partners
- Discover everyday ways to keep your brain healthy for life
- Learn about preventing, stroke, dementia, and other brain conditions
- Enjoy interactive activities, music, and refreshments in a welcoming space
More information and schedule of events at hennepinhealthcare.org/brainhealth
February 15th DEADLINE to apply for Franklin Steele Community Garden Plots
 Grow your own food at Franklin Steele! Apply by February 15th to be considered for a free plot at the Franklin Steele Community Garden. Preference will be given to Minneapolis residents without access to land who plan to grow food. New to gardening? With a plant giveaway in the spring and learning resources available, this is the perfect place to start! Apply online HERE:
www.minneapolisparks.org/communitygardens
Check out the NEW "Winterapolis" Celebration, all Winter Long!
Minneapolis is launching Winterapolis, a citywide seasonal celebration designed to make the city “America’s Winter City.” Winterapolis will continue through February, wrapping up with a Valentine’s Day pop-up. Celebrate the season, support local businesses, and enjoy all the magic Minneapolis has to offer this winter!
Explore all the events on the Meet Minneapolis website.
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MPRB - Elliot Park & Recreation Center Events
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Search the program by keyword, or filter by location to see all programs at Elliot Park.
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The Minneapolis Downtown Council's Community Calendar is your source for downtown events & FREE fun!
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 EPNI Project Reports & Updates
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Gratitude for all who helped give warmth at Dec. 16th Elliot Park Winter Warmth & Resource Day!
On December 16th, EPNI again joined forces with several neighborhood partners to serve over 300 neighbors at the "Elliot Park Winter Warmth & Resource Day" event at the Elliot Park & Rec. Center.
In these difficult and uncertain times, this event offered a warm welcome and critical resources to our neighbors in need, including:
- A community meal and warm & caring welcome
- Interactive community resource tables, offering needed health services, like flu shots & vaccines, giveaways & community resource connection
- Donated winter coats and warm clothes
- Food distribution
Thank you to these wonderful event co-sponsors and partners who collaborated with EPNI to make this possible!
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Resources for Neighbors Facing Food Insecurity & Houselessness
Food Resources:
When the temperature or wind-chill become dangerously low, these places are open during specified hours. Everyone is welcome. hennepin.us/StayWarm
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Resources for Unhoused People
To access more resources visit: https://www.hennepin.us/residents/human-services/waypoint
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Community Safety Resources
submitted by Carla Nielson, MPD Neighborhood Crime Prevention Specialist for Elliot Park
Crime Prevention Newsletter—new in 2026
Minneapolis Police Department Crime Prevention Specialists will be producing an online newsletter beginning in January 2026. The goal is to have one every other month. Topics will include highlights of the various Precincts, updates if there’s any crime trends, how to register for National Night Out in the spring, and much more!
The newsletter will come directly to you in email format. To receive it, you will need to sign up for GovDelivery. The City does not sell or give your email out.
When you sign up: We keep your contact information private. We never share your contact information. We only send you information on the topics you select.
Sign up HERE now: Enter your email address or cell number to subscribe to updates on a variety of topics.
Update your subscriptions: To stop emails, click Unsubscribe at the bottom of any email we send you. To update your contact information or change your subscription, sign into GovDelivery.
More neighborhood safety questions? In 2026, Carla Nielson will continue to be the Crime Prevention Specialist in both Elliot Park Neighborhood and Cedar Riverside. She can be contacted at [email protected] or 612-919-8887 (phone during Mon-Fri regular business hours).
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EPNI Renter's Corner
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Cold Weather Rules Are In Effect - Get Protection from Heat Shut-Offs
The Cold Weather Rule is now in effect. The Cold Weather Rule means that if you can’t pay your home heat bill, your heat can’t be shut off Oct. 1-April 30. If you get a notice about disconnecting your primary heat source, make sure to immediately contact the utility and set up a payment plan.
Find resources on the State of Minnesota website. This information is available in English, Spanish, Hmong and Somali.
Minimum heat requirements
Rental property owners must have heating systems that work properly and safely. They must be able to keep the indoor temperature at:
- 65°F from Sept. 15 - 30
- 68°F from Oct. 1 - April 30
- 65°F from May 1 – 15
What to do when the heat isn’t working
- If your heat isn’t working, notify the property owner or manager right away.
- If they don’t take steps to fix it immediately, call 311 or 612-673-3000 to report it. 311 is open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays.
- Outside of 311 hours, call 911 to report low heat or no heat.
The 311 agent or 911 dispatcher will take your contact information, and an inspector will contact you to visit your rental unit as soon as possible. From Sept. 15 to May 15, there is always an inspector on call to help renters with no or low heat.
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Report rental issues to 311
Contact 311 to report rental housing issues or speak to a housing liaison. You can also track complaints online on the 311 property complaint dashboard.
HOMELine
HOME Line provides free and low-cost legal, organizing, education, and advocacy services so that tenants throughout Minnesota can solve their own rental housing problems.
Have a question for HOME Line? Call 612-728-5767 or email an attorney.
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311: Did You Know . . . ?
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311 is the remote access point for ALL non-emergency info & service requests
You can call 311 to:
- Report and get resolution to problems, and follow up on the status of issues
* Remember - there are power in numbers. If a number of affected neighbors call 311 about the same issue, it may speed up response time.
- Find out about City services
- Get other city-related information
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It's easy and accessible! Ways to contact 311:
If you need immediate emergency assistance, contact 911.
Want to read more about 311? Check out resources provided by the city
311 Website: https://www.minneapolismn.gov/government/departments/311/
View flyer from city in different languages. English, Spanish, Somali, Hmong
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Continued Neighborhood Opportunities:
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Community Solar Garden Opportunity
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Cooperative Energy Futures (CEF) is a local energy cooperative housed in South Minneapolis at the Sabathani Community Center.
They are collaborating with various neighborhood organizations and community-based organizations to spread the word about their Community Solar Garden (CSG) Program that saves you money on your Xcel bill, while building community-member owned
renewable energy infrastructure. We give priority to community members with lower incomes or that participate in programs like SNAP, WIC, energy assistance and Medicaid.
Our community-member owned CSG program allows community members, whether you rent or own, to share the benefits of the solar array we are building on the parking canopy at Abbott Northwestern Hospital at 28th and Chicago.
Learn more at this link: https://www.cooperativeenergyfutures.com/community-solar-1
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Homebuyer & Home Improvement Opportunities
Click link for larger graphic of image below
 The city has resources available for home buying and home improvement. Including down payment assistance for specific homes and financing options to improve your house. For more information see the flyer above.
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Minneapolis Green Cost Share Program
We are excited to work with the Minneapolis Green Cost Share program, a project that helps our city be greener! The Green Cost Share program provides up to $14,000 in rebates to eligible homeowners in our neighborhood. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help with your next project using the Minneapolis Green Cost Share program. Together, we can make Minneapolis a better place to live.
Green Cost Share Contact Info:
Minneapolis Health Department, [email protected], 612-673-2301
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Want a free ride & a cleaner bus stop? Adopt-a-Stop!
WHAT: Individuals and groups can "adopt" a Metro Transit bus stop to help keep it clean and cared for, and alert Metro Transit staff to special maintenance needs and reporting vandalism or suspicious activity.
WHY: Help everyone have a safer ride experience and and get 10 free rides each month!
HOW: Learn more and apply online for Metro Transit Adopt-A-Stop program HERE.
Want to partner through EPNI to Adopt-a-Stop? Come talk about it at the Land Use & Transportation committee meeting, or contact us at [email protected] or text/call 612-234-2280
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Shop the Mobile Market!
The Twin Cities Mobile Market continues on Wednesdays! You can find the bus at 1515 Park Ave. All are welcome to stop by and shop. The market has beautiful and affordable produce, meat, dairy, bread, and more.
You can view the full schedule here on the Park Center Hi-Rise site. Sign up for text updates. To learn more about the Mobile Market, please visit thefoodgroupmn.org/twin-cities-mobile-market/.
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