Dakota County
Tribune
News Christmas at the Steeple Center Page 3A
Farmington • Rosemount
DakotaCountyTribune.com
Nov. 22, 2018 • Volume 133 • Number 38
Established 1887
Farmington Food Shelf reopens as a healthy choice model
City gathering ideas on possible rec center
360 Communities forges new partnership with Farmington Lutheran Church by Jody Peters SUN THISWEEK DAKOTA COUNTY TRIBUNE
After being closed for about two and a half months, the Farmington Food Shelf reopened Nov. 15. The food shelf, 510 Walnut St., is the last of 360 Communities’ five food shelves to transition to a healthy choice model. Instead of volunteers packing food for clients, clients can now shop for themselves. That way, people can make choices based on what they know their families like and will eat. Choice models are becoming more common, according to Lisa Lusk, 360 Communities’ director of school success and community resources. “It’s hard for families to come to the food shelf and identify that they have that need. So the more choice we can give them and the more it can feel like they’re going to the grocery store themselves, the better that feels for them,” Lusk said. Part of the reason the Farmington Food Shelf was closed for several weeks was because the layout was redesigned. Families shop for fresh produce first, then canned fruits and vegetables, then
Monday’s open house drew crowd by Andy Rogers SUN THISWEEK DAKOTA COUNTY TRIBUNE
Photo by Jody Peters
The Farmington Food Shelf, which reopened Nov. 15, is now a choice model food shelf. The grocery store-style experience encourages clients to make healthier choices. meat and dairy, then dry and shelf-stable goods. The idea is to make the fresh choice the first and easiest choice, Lusk explained. Clients at other choice model food shelves, like the one in Rosemount, have had positive experiences, she added.
“Families love it. They’re so excited to be able to shop for their own food,” Lusk said.
Partnership Another reason the food shelf was closed was because a new partnership was being forged. Farmington Luther-
an Church, 20600 Akin Road, will provide leadership to help run the dayto-day operations of the food shelf. The food shelf was previously run by a group of community members, and the lead volunteer was ready to transition out, Lusk said.
ExpertCarebyERPhysicians Index Opinion Sports
OpenHolidays, 8am – 10pm
Dakota County Tribune 4A 15A
Public Notices
17A
Classifieds
18A
Thisweekend
22A
Calendars
23A
15322 Galaxie Ave., Suite 219, Apple Valley, MN 55124 952-894-1111 News | 952-846-2033 Public Notices | 763-691-6001 Classified Advertising | 952-392-6862 Delivery | 763-712-3544
&
Two other food shelves, Shepherd of the Valley Food Shelf in Apple Valley and Messiah Community Food Shelf in Lakeville, “are connected to a church, which is really beneficial,” Lusk said. Kevin Woestehoff, senior pastor of FarmSee Food Shelf, 17A
!""'! !
$
Rosemount city staff has heard from many residents through the years about a lack of recreational facilities in the community, but what exactly do residents want? The 292 Design Group hired by the city to conduct a feasibility study earlier this year held an open house Monday. They had attendees prioritize their wish list. The most popular items included a hockey rink, indoor turf, indoor courts for basketball/volleyball, aquatic play area/lap pool, indoor play area and a walking/running track. Many residents cited a strong desire for some type of aquatic facility with a lap pool and play area. Others wanted to see more gym floors, specifically with a wood court and open to multiple age groups. There was also some interest in a fitness facility See Center, 17A
UrgencyRoom.com