Basic Needs Inc. of South Washington County

About Us

The Basic Needs mission is to support the basic needs of those in our community, such as housing, food, clothing, and coordinated services.

See How Your Gift Helps Neighbors Like Susan Access Support and Stability

One of those neighbors is Susan Nolan. When Susan’s Social Security benefits were unexpectedly reduced, she found herself struggling to make ends meet and worried about how she would afford groceries. Through the Basic Needs Food Market, Susan was able to access fresh food and support during a very difficult time.

Susan wanted you to know how much your donation matters. She shared that because of people like you, she felt cared for, supported, and less alone.

Click the video below to hear Susan share her story in her own words:

We believe everyone deserves access to the essentials. Basic Needs Inc. is all about breaking down barriers to provide nutritious food, affordable clothing, and connections to vital services. Our community is stronger when everyone has what they need to thrive, and we’re here to make that happen! To learn more about us, visit www.basicneedsmn.org.

Join Us in Helping More Families!💙

This past winter, a young New American mom came to us in crisis, struggling to put food on the table, find safe housing, and get back on her feet. With help from our Food Market, School Food Rescue Program, and community partners, we were able to step in fast, providing food, transportation, housing support, and job guidance. What started as an emergency turned into a lasting solution. Today, she’s working full-time, financially stable, and safe. Stories like hers happen because of donors like you, who help families not just survive, but thrive.

Our Programs Include: 

• Food Market:  Our Food Market in Cottage Grove is a welcoming walk-in market that empowers people to choose the foods that best fit their needs, including fresh fruits and vegetables and culturally relevant options. It’s entirely run by over 50 passionate volunteers who make it all possible!

  • 2025 Impact:

    • 1,000,000 pounds of food distributed

    • 200,000+ neighbors served 

    • 163,093 people served

    • 300 veterans and active-duty service members served 

    • Food sourced through regional food banks, school rescue, and gardens, 

• Thrift Shop: Our thrift shop is open to everyone, and it’s a real treasure hunt! Every item donated and every dollar spent goes right back into supporting our programs. It’s shopping that helps the community and the planet at the same time.

  • Impact: 

    • 87.65 Tons recycled 

• Emergency Voucher Program: We provide vouchers to families in crisis, including many transitioning from homelessness. Over 70% of recipients identify as BIPOC or multi-racial, ensuring help is reaching those who need it most in our community.

• Share the Joy Program: Our holiday program pairs families and individuals in South Washington County with community sponsors who provide anonymous gifts, spreading holiday cheer and making a real difference for those supported by Washington County Services.

New initiatives

• Culturally Relevant Food Program:  Basic Needs has partnered with Washington County to distribute culturally relevant foods to the East African Community. We plan to continue bringing in more cultural food options to Black, Latine, and Asian populations. 
• School Food Rescue Program:  We rescue surplus food from cafeterias and redistribute it through our Food Market and engage BIPOC communities. We are currently in all 23 schools in the SoWashCo School District #833 by the end of 2025. This program will introduce food rescue and our free Food Market to students and their families.
• Monthly Food Meal Kit Distribution:  We do monthly food drops launched at affordable senior and family housing. 
• Food Repacking Program – Turning bulk and rescued restaurant food into family-sized portions, reducing waste and improving food equity.

Partnerships and Public Trust!

Basic Needs Inc. was named Non-Profit of the Year by the Cottage Grove Chamber of Commerce! This honor fuels our mission and inspires us to reach even higher in helping our neighbors.

Also, the Woodbury Area Chamber of Commerce named Basic Needs as the 2025 Non-Profit of the Year, as well as the Charitable Endeavors Partner. Our partnership with the chamber helps amplify our mission and helps deepen our community impact. These achievements highlight our work across the community and collaboration to build a stronger ecosystem for our neighbors in need. 

Your support helps neighbors in South Washington County access food, clothing, and vital services. Together, we’re reducing waste, breaking down barriers, and helping thousands of