VEAP

Celebrating Juneteenth! ❤️🖤💚

Today, we honor Juneteenth, a celebration of freedom and a time to reflect on the end of slavery in the United States while recognizing and uplifting Black history, culture, and resilience.

VEAP will be closed on Friday, June 19, in observance of the holiday as we pause to reflect and celebrate.

To learn more about the significance of Juneteenth and explore local Twin Cities events, visit: https://www.minneapolis.org/calendar/holidays/juneteenth/
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https://www.nytimes.com/article/juneteenth-day-celebration.html?unlocked_article_code=1.rFA.twHC.GnvMfwIixymY&smid=url-share

Thank you to our friends at Old National Bank's Burnsville location for honoring VEAP with a generous gift through their "Choose Your Charity" program! 💚

This program celebrates organizations working to strengthen the communities they serve—a mission that closely aligns with VEAP's commitment to creating pathways to stronger, more hopeful communities through access to healthy food, housing stability, and supportive services.

We're honored to be selected and appreciate this investment in our work. A heartfelt thank you to the Burnsville community for casting your votes and helping make this gift possible. Together, you're helping ensure more neighbors have access to the support they need.

Need food or financial assistance? VEAP is here to help. 💚

Your first step is to call 952-888-9616. Our intake volunteers are ready to answer questions, explain available programs, and help determine the best options for you and your household. Interpreter services are available.

Please call during our business hours:
📞 Monday–Thursday: 9:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
📞 Friday: 9:00 a.m.–Noon

No matter what challenges you're facing, we're here to listen and help connect you with support.

Want to learn more about VEAP and the growing needs in our community? Join us for a VEAP Coffee & Conversation! ☕

These informal gatherings offer an opportunity to connect with VEAP staff, hear about the work happening across our programs, tour our facility, and learn how you, your workplace, faith community, or organization can get involved.

Whether you're a longtime supporter or just getting to know VEAP, we'd love to welcome you for coffee, conversation, and community.

Learn more and register: https://veap.org/coffee-and-conversation/

We had to share this incredible donation from Gabby! 💚

Gabby has been such a thoughtful advocate for helping keep VEAP’s gluten-free shelves stocked, and yesterday’s donation made a huge difference. Check out Gabby's before and after pictures of the shelf!

At VEAP, we know every household has different needs, traditions, and dietary considerations. Whether someone is looking for gluten-free items, culturally familiar foods, or everyday pantry staples, we want our pantry to be a welcoming place where neighbors can find food that works for them and their families.

Thank you, Gabby, for helping create greater access and choice for our participants—and for reminding us how meaningful community support can be.

VEAP is SO excited to be part of this year’s Edina Art Fair! 🎨💚

We’re looking forward to celebrating community, enjoying incredible art, and collecting donations throughout the event to help stock VEAP’s pantry. Stop by the donation drive in the Lunds & Byerlys lot, soak in the creativity, and help support local families while you’re there!

🎨 The Edina Art Fair Returns June 5–7 for its 59th Year! 🎨

Join us at 50th & France for one of the nation’s top-ranked art festivals featuring more than 250 artists from across the country, live music, artisan food, family activities, shopping, patio dining and more!

This year’s featured artist, Megan Murrell, created “Welcome Migration,” inspired by the Monarch butterfly’s journey as a symbol of hope and transformation. 🦋

✨ Event Highlights:
• 250+ Fine Artists in 12 juried categories
• 2 Live Music Stages
• Beverage Gardens from Red Cow, Pajarito in the Plaza & Mr. Paul’s + Mothership in the Lunds & Byerly’s lot
• Culinary Artisan Marketplace & Food Trucks
• Emerging Artist Marketplace
• Kids Zone & Family Activities
• Minnesota Marketplace
• Dog-Friendly Event with a pet watering station & treats by Luca and the Five Girls in the Lunds & Byerly’s Lot🐾
• Shops & Restaurants at 50th & France joining in on the fun

📍 50th & France | Edina & Minneapolis
📅 June 5–7, 2026
Friday: 12–8 PM
Saturday: 10 AM–7 PM
Sunday: 10 AM–5 PM

🚍 Free Metro Transit rides to the fair
🚌 Free shuttle from Edina City Hall on Saturday & Sunday
🅿️ Free parking available in district ramps North, South, Center and Ewing lot

Donation Drive to benefit VEAP in the Lunds lot during the entire event. Thank you for dropping off a bag of pasta, rice, PB or canned goods for neighbors in need.

Come celebrate art, creativity, and community at this beloved kick off to summer tradition!