Business of the Year Nominee: CAER Food Shelf
This award will recognize the organization(s) that have been in business for at least five years. The award will feature businesses that have exhibited outstanding initiative, leadership. and organizational skills that produce significant results that benefit the community. Such benefits may include excellence in customer service, conservation/energy-smart practices, a track record of growth including local investment, and support of community organizations. To receive the award, the business must be an Elk River Area Chamber member in good standing.
Nominator Statement:
CAER Food Shelf was founded by community members, for community members, over 40 years ago. During all these years, it has continued to be a community effort to fight hunger through CAER. — Wendy Erlien
How long has CAER Food Shelf been in business?
CAER was created 41 years ago. They have three full-time employees and four part-time employees as well as over 600 volunteers. Heather Kliewer is the current Executive Director.
What inspired the start of CAER Food Shelf?
A woman named Mary Anne moved here from the cities and saw a need in our area to have a food shelf. She went to her priest at her church to get support and it was so well received that they went to other community churches for support.
Who does CAER serve?
Anyone in need or anyone that is hungry.
CAER’s Investment in Elk River and the Surrounding Area:
The food shelf wouldn’t exist without the community. The donors make it possible for the food shelf to thrive. They rely heavily on donors and volunteers. They provide a grocery store atmosphere so that people can shop with dignity.
A Little-Known Fact About CAER:
Upon creation, CAER didn’t have a location. The organization was housed in the basement of the courthouse and hauled food down to the basement. They had a jail cell as a dedicated space to store food.
Looking to the Future:
They are expanding their current facility and becoming a super shelf. They are serving so many families and people per month, they need to grow (which they see as a blessing – meaning that they have the ability to serve those in need).
CAER Food Shelf’s Involvement with the Chamber:
CAER is very involved in Chamber connections and Heather has participated in Leadership Elk River. She has lived here all her life and loves getting connected to new community members to create relationships and cultivate knowledge of the non-profits in the area.
CAER Food Shelf’s Involvement in the Community:
CAER is very much about partnering with other local non-profits and providing food to those in need. They do presentations in the community and have the ability to bring food to the hungry. They participate in schools and churches and provide knowledge, education, and resources.
