Helpful Resources

United Way: United Way 2-1-1 provides free and confidential health and human services information for people in Minnesota. They’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to connect you with the resources and information you need.
Phone: 211

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FOCP provides K-12 students in South Central Minnesota supplemental food support for weekends and school breaks. Enrollment is simple and free. Visit their website to enroll: www.feedingandfueling.org

Phone: 507-385-3627

BENCHES: The BENCHS Food Share Program offers free dog and cat food to help keep pets together with their families. 

The BENCHS Food Share Program is open from 12:00 – 4:00 pm daily for distribution. Come to door #1 at the shelter and ring the doorbell. Owners can receive cat and/or dog food up to twice per month, and will receive a two-week supply of dog and/or cat food whenever supply permits.

*BENCHES Food Share is a service provided to residents of Blue Earth and Nicollet County only. Pet owners will be asked for basic contact info and their information for their pet(s).*
Address: 1250 North River Drive, Door #1, Mankato, MN 56001

Blue Earth County Human Services: The Human Services Department’s mission is to effectively and efficiently deliver essential services to families and individuals so they can achieve their potential through active community participation.
Address: 410 South Fifth Street, Mankato, MN 56001
Phone: 507-304-4222

Fare For All: Fare For All is a pop-up grocery store. They sell packs of fresh produce and frozen meat at up to 40% off of retail prices.
Phone: 763-450-3860


Minnesota Valley Action Council (MVAC): The Minnesota Valley Action Council (MVAC) is a Community Action Agency helping those in need secure affordable housing, viable transportation, employment and training for employment, as well as creating educational opportunities for children.
Address: 706 North Victory Drive, Mankato, MN 56001
Phone: 1-800-767-7139


NAPS (Nutrition Assistance Program for Seniors): The Nutrition Assistance Program for Seniors (NAPS) provides a box of nutritious food each month to eligible low-income seniors, 60 years and over. Distribution is held at ECHO on the 4th Tuesday of the month from 10AM – 12:30PM. ECHO is not involved with the registration of NAPS, only as a distribution center.
Phone: 1-800-365-0270


Open Door Health Center: Open Door Health Center is a non-profit community health center, providing quality affordable health care to everyone!
Address: 309 Holly Lane, Mankato, MN 56001
Phone: 507-388-2120


PCs for People: PCs for People provides refurbished computers to eligible customers for affordable prices. They also provide low-cost high-speed internet solutions. Through computers, internet, digital skills training, and technical support, they work to ensure everyone has an equal opportunity to reach their full potential through digital technology.
Phone: 651-354-2552


Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): SNAP, formerly know as Food Stamps, helps Minnesotans with low incomes get the food they need for nutritious and well-balanced meals. The program provides support to help stretch your household food budget. It is not intended to meet all of your household’s food needs. It is a supplement.

Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services: Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services provides free, high-quality legal help to low-income people in critical civil matters.
Phone:1-877-696-6529


University of Minnesota Extension: University of Minnesota Extension discovers science-based solutions, delivers practical education, and engages Minnesotans to build a better future.
Phone: 612-625-8497
Email: family@umn.edu


VINE: VINE is redefining aging and promoting the wellbeing of aging adults through programming, services, and community engagement.
Address: 421 E Hickory Street, Mankato, MN 56001
Phone: 507-387-1666


Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program: WIC is a nutrition and breastfeeding program that helps young families eat well and be healthy.
Phone: 1-800-657-3942