Lunch Club member, Rod Broome, personally delivered a donation check to The Food Group

COVID can’t stop tradition of giving

“Federal Reserve Bank employees have a culture of giving, and even COVID-19 can’t stop it,” according to Rod Broome, treasurer of the former employees lunch club.

The Club has held quarterly lunches since 1990 until this year when COVID caused a cancellation of the time-honored gatherings. Rod asked the club members what they thought about all donating $10.00 as they all saw the massive demand nationwide on food shelves.  Even though they weren’t getting together for lunch, Rod still wanted to give back. The response was unbelievable: members donated over $3,000 to The Food Group.

30 years of lunches

Since they started the lunch club, the members have collected money and canned food items for various charity organizations in the Twin Cities.  Eventually, the Club chose to donate exclusively to The Food Group.

A history of helping

The Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis has a long history of encouraging its employees to support local charities that it had partnerships with such as United Way.  Many employees independently support charities and causes that are dear to their hearts.  “Back when our Club members worked, we regarded us all as the ‘Fed Family,’” Rod says, “Our Club members still feel that way today since many of them worked alongside each other and knew each other for decades.” As of today, the Club has some 170 members.  About 90% of that number retired from the Bank after many years of work there—many with 30+ years of service.


We are so grateful for the community of supporters who have stepped up to help with our emergency response. The abundance of generosity and support around us has been incredible to provide food to those in need and care for those most impacted.

To make a donation to our Emergency Response Fund, visit our donation page- thefoodgroupmn.thankyou4caring.org/Donate

We Value Nutritious Food
Working with our community partners, The Food Group buys, gleans, grows, and processes fresh produce.

Food Bank
or Food Shelf?
The Food Group is a food bank that supplies other hunger relief agencies with fresh produce, frozen meat, grocery staples, and other household necessities. Food shelves distribute free food to individuals and families in their local communities.

The Food Group believes in food equity. They believe in culturally specific foods. They believe in meeting people where they are at. And most of all, they believe in dignity.

The Food Group volunteer and donor

Learn from Last Year's Event
The 16th annual Emerging Farmers Conference was held virtually in January 2021. Check out the executive summary.

At Big River Farms, we believe everyone who wants to start a sustainable farm should have access to education, land, infrastructure, markets, resources, and connections to meet their goals.

Help raise awareness of hunger in our communities!

Media Inquiries
Contact Sophia or call 763-450-3860.

Cash Grants Are Welcome, Too
Contact Emily Eddy White about making a corporate or foundation gift to The Food Group or call 763-450-3868.

Did You Know?
Over 20% of Black households and 19% of Latinx households report food insecurity, compared to 10% of white households.

Are You a Fare For All Fan?
Share about your Fare For All stop! The more people who shop, the better the prices for everyone.

Equity and Nutrition
Learn more about The Food Group's mission and read our Equity Values Statement and Healthy Foods Policy.

Would your organization like to join our list of groups donating $5,000 or more? Email Laura Mirafuentes or call 763-450-4209.

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The Food Group

We’re a nonprofit working at the intersection of equity and access to fresh, sustainable foods. From farming to distribution, we provide fresh food across MN and WI.

The Food Group is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. EIN 41-1246504 Contributions are tax-deductible to the full amount provided by the law.

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The Food Group Office & Warehouse

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