CAER is a non-profit, community-based Christian organization, whose mission is to provide emergency food, clothing, and special assistance to individuals and families in need.
    
CAER was founded in 1979 as a vision of the local ministerial association.  Churches, schools, youth groups, civic organizations and businesses have joined hands in a wonderful community effort to help those in need.

There were more than 1.8 million visits to Minnesota food shelves in 2006, up from 1.7 million in 2005. CAER, our local food shelf, has also experienced record numbers of households needing help in 2007.

CAER provides food, clothing, household and limited financial assistance for shelter, utilities and miscellaneous emergency needs for eligible residents in Sherburne and bordering Wright and Anoka counties if in Elk River school district 728.  Ineligible persons will be referred to the appropriate food shelf or other agencies in their service area.

In 2007, A Total of households 994, comprised of 4,519 visits– 879 of those for food.  Those 879 households visited CAER 3,520 times, and 245,319 pounds of food was distributed and an additional 15,893 pounds of food was distributed for Holiday Dinners.

Our ongoing needs include:

     Funds to purchase food not donated to CAER

      Funds to meet clients financial needs.

       Repair to and expansion of the CAER parking lot estimated at $19.000

   Expand hours of operation, increasing staff and overhead costs.

      Increase space at CAER for additional office and client seating areas.