Resources

  • Frequent media coverage of this newly discovered virus can feel overwhelming. Here are some resources that provide accurate information and some tips for talking with kids when they have questions in times of uncertainty. Check back often for regular updates as we add more resources. 

    Included on this page: 

    • Meals for students
    • Childcare information
    • Internet access for students
    • Community resources
    • Ralph Reeder Food Shelf
    • Mental health resources
    • Coronavirus and children
    • Helpful links 

Meals for students

  • Breakfast and lunch for all students under 18 will be available starting July 8 through August 5.

    Curbside pick-up will begin July 8 and run through August 5. Meals can be picked up on Wednesdays at Highview Middle School from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Your child does not need to be present to pick up the meals. A bag with seven meals inside will be available each week.

    No meals will be delivered on the neighborhood bus routes used during the school year. If you have additional questions or concerns, please call your child's school.

    Additional resources

    • The Minnesota Department of Human Services is now offering additional funds for the families of children ages 5 to 18 who qualify for free and reduced-price meals. This new program, called Pandemic EBT (P-EBT), will provide $325 per child that families can use to purchase nutritious food for their household. Learn more and apply here. 
    • The Ralph Reeder Food Shelf is ready to help families in need of food. You can learn more here or call 651-621-6280.
    • Visit your county’s website for information on accessing food resources.
    • Call the Minnesota Food Help Line at 888-711-1151 to connect to programs that can increase your food budget such as SNAP, WIC or other food resources. Interpreters are available.

  • Internet access for students 

    For students and staff who do not have access to reliable internet, there are options available. 

    Free internet access at home
    Some internet service providers are offering free internet access to families for 60 days to help during this time of remote learning.  

    • Comcast/Xfinity has several options for families to utilize, including free internet for up to 60 days in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Learn more at https://www.internetessentials.com/.

    • Visit https://www.everyoneon.org/ and select the “Find Offers” button. Enter your zip code and indicate any of the options that apply to your family. Generally at least one low-cost option will be available.

    • We are working to make sure every student has internet access. If you have issues with internet access, contact your school directly. 

  • Community resources

    Click here to see community resources regarding financial assistance, food access and more. This document will be updated regularly, so check back often. 

  • Ralph Reeder Food Shelf

    The Ralph Reeder Food Shelf is ready to help. If you are in need of free food for your family please call the food shelf appointment line at 651-621-6280. The food shelf has implemented a fast and user-friendly drive thru service model in our parking lot that provides participants with pre-packed "to-go" bags of food. This temporary service model takes into consideration the need for social distancing as well as the ability to provide food to many families in a short period of time. Families will receive canned and boxed items, hygiene, frozen meat, fresh milk, produce, dairy, deli and bakery items. 

    What can you do to help?
    We are already seeing a spike in need and donations from the community are important. At this time, we are asking people to make an online donation at www.ralphreederfoodshelf.org or mail in a donation to the Ralph Reeder Food Shelf - 2544 Mounds View Blvd. Mounds View, MN  55112. For every dollar you donate, we can purchase up to $8.00 worth of food. Plus, Minnesota Foodshare is matching a portion of all donations received at food shelves through April 30. While we love volunteers, we are not currently accepting any new volunteers at this time. Should we have any service interruptions or changes to our hours it will be posted on our Facebook page as well as on or our website at www.ralphreederfoodshelf.org.  

  • Mental health resources 

    Frequent and rapid changes around this newly discovered virus can feel overwhelming. Here are some resources from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). 

    • NAMI's hotline is open Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. EST.
      Call 800-950-6264