Upcoming events
NEAR EMPTY BOWLS
Join us for Empty Bowls 2026!
Empty Bowls is a community fundraiser supporting NEAR Food Shelf. This event has united volunteers, local businesses, and neighbors to fight hunger. Today, over 400,000 Minnesotans face food insecurity. NEAR’s goal is to provide nutritious food to clients. Your participation helps provide vital support to families in need.
Enjoy food samplings from local restaurants and area businesses. Enjoy entertainment from Robbinsdale Area Schools talented orchestra students as well as local choirs and dancers. Magician David Farr (https://www.davidfarr.com) will dazzle you and our therapy dogs will be available for you to cuddle and pet.
Become a Sponsor - Make a Donation
If you or someone you know, including a business or organization, would like to contribute or become a sponsor of this event, please contact Jeff at emptybowls@nearfoodshelf.org.
Individual donations can be made here: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/emptybowlsfundraiser
Glaze a Bowl Event
Join us for these fun, FREE community events at Robbinsdale Middle School, 3730 Toledo Ave. N., Robbinsdale
Make a Bowl Reschedule: Tuesday, February 10, 5:00–7:30 p.m.
Glaze a Bowl: Tuesday, February 17, 5:00–7:30 p.m
Groups are welcome! Reservations are encouraged but not required
Reserve your spot here: https://forms.gle/vee5tdoqyFTu6iac6
Steak Fry Fundraiser to Benefit NEAR Food Shelf
Crystal Lions Steak Fry Fundraiser for NEAR: February 11, 2026 - Please see attached flyer
Join us for the Crystal Lions Steak Fry Fundraiser for NEAR on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at the Charles Knaeble VFW Post #494.
Enjoy a delicious steak dinner hosted by the Crystal Lions, with Crystal City Council members serving as volunteer servers. Please see the attached flyer and register here, so we can plan for dinner counts.
Thank you for your support—we hope to see you there!
Make a Bowl to Help End Hunger
Join us for these fun, FREE community events at Robbinsdale Middle School, 3730 Toledo Ave. N., Robbinsdale
Make a Bowl Reschedule: Tuesday, February 10, 5:00–7:30 p.m.
Glaze a Bowl: Tuesday, February 17, 5:00–7:30 p.m
Groups are welcome! Reservations are encouraged but not required
Reserve your spot here: https://forms.gle/vee5tdoqyFTu6iac6
Holiday Toy Distribution
NEAR FOOD SHELF – HOLIDAY TOY DISTRIBUTION EVENT
Saturday, December 13, 2025 at the Crystal Community Center
Toys and gifts will be distributed to current client
households with children (newborns thru grade 12)
who live in Crystal, New Hope and Robbinsdale.
Registration open from Monday, November 17th
through Wednesday, December 10th. Call 763-533-2836
(Line #1), Monday thru Friday from 9am – 2PM to schedule
an appointment.
We look forward to helping you and your children
celebrate the upcoming holiday season.
4th Annual Faith & Blue
Hosted by NEAR Food Shelf and the Crystal Police Department, join us for food, fun, and games for the whole family while building bridges and breaking biases.