Blessing Box Project
Spreading Kindness and Nurturing Communities
The Blessing Box is a small, community-supported outdoor pantry filled with non-perishable food items, personal care items and other essential supplies. Inspired by the motto “Take what you need, give what you can,” the Blessing Box operates on principles of anonymity, empathy and non-judgement, ensuring that assistance is readily available day or night.
Benefits of the Blessing Box
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service,
food insecurity affects millions of households annually, with unforeseen
circumstances often exacerbating the situation. The Blessing Box aims
to bridge this gap by offering support to those experiencing temporary
hardships, without the need for qualifications or fear of stigma.
How You Can Get Involved
The Blessing Box relies on the generosity of individuals to stock it with items. It’s not just about providing food or necessities; it’s about spreading a sense of community, compassion and kindness. The Blessing Box creates a space where people can come together to help one another, fostering a strong sense of unity within a community.
Donate
Contribute non-perishable food or personal care items to your local Blessing Box.
Make a financial gift to support your local Blessing Box through CentraCare Foundation.
Suggested Food Pantry Items to Donate
- Nuts
- Rice, white or brown
- Pasta (preferably in boxes)
- Cereals/instant oatmeal packets
- Crackers/granola bars
- Baking and pancake mixes, pancake syrup
- Peanut butter and alternatives such as almond, sunflower seed or coconut butter
- Condiments (ketchup, mustard, salad dressing, mayo)
- Microwave meals/to-go meals and shelf-stable meal kits
- Infant formula, dry infant cereal, squeezable baby food
- Package protein drinks
- Dried fruit
- Dry soup packets
- Seasoning packets (taco, chili, gravy, etc.)
Additional Food Items Suggestions During Cooler Weather
- Canned soups and sauces
- Canned meat (tuna, chicken, etc.)
- Beans, canned, especially garbanzo, chili and baked beans
- Canned diced tomatoes, tomato sauce and tomato paste
- Canned fruits, canned vegetables
Other Items Needed
- Hand can openers
- Shampoo/conditioner and combs/brushes
- Toilet paper
- Feminine care pads/regular tampons
- Toothbrush/toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Razors, shaving cream
- Hand soap, bath soap and hand sanitizer
- Laundry detergent and dish soap
- Gloves, hats and scarves
- Socks
- Baby supplies (wipes, diapers, etc.)
Please Do Not Donate
- Open or partially used items
- Rusty or unlabeled cans
- Homemade or home canned foods
- Items in glass because of breakage
- Food in torn cardboard boxes
- Re-packaged foods
- Food in torn plastic packaging
- Dented, bent, leaking or bulging cans
- Perishable items — no raw meat, eggs, dairy, fresh breads
- Any packaged food past its “best by,” “use by” or “sell by” date
- Any packaged food with damaged tamper-resistant seals
- No fresh fruits or vegetables — these can spoil or get damaged easily
- Alcoholic beverages
Location
The CentraCare – Long Prairie Blessing Box is located near the Vitality Wellness Entrance. Donations may be dropped off at CentraCare – Long Prairie Vitality Wellness front desk from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday.
