PROP News and Events
Volunteer Spotlight: Barb Birky
This July, we are proud to shine the spotlight on an extraordinary volunteer who has dedicated more than two decades of her time, energy, and heart to our community—Barb Birky.
With an incredible 22.5 years of service, Barb holds the distinction of being our longest-serving weekly volunteer. Her longevity alone is remarkable, but it’s her unwavering commitment and willingness to do whatever is needed that truly sets her apart.
A True Jack-of-All-Trades
When it comes to volunteering, Barb does it all. Over the years, she has played key roles in:
- Recruiting new volunteers
- Supporting development efforts
- Stocking the food shelf
- Jumping in wherever an extra set of hands is needed
Her flexibility and enthusiasm help keep things running smoothly, and her institutional knowledge is invaluable to both staff and volunteers alike.
What Keeps Her Coming Back
When asked about her favorite part of volunteering, Barb points to two things that have clearly stood the test of time:
helping others and the camaraderie with fellow volunteers.
It’s this blend of service and connection that has made her volunteer experience so meaningful—and that same spirit is felt by everyone who has the pleasure of working alongside her.
A Fun Fact About Barb
Outside of her volunteer work, Barb has taken on some impressive personal challenges, including completing two marathons! Her determination and endurance clearly extend beyond her volunteer service.
Thank You, Barb!
Barb’s dedication over the past 22.5 years has made a lasting impact on our organization and the community we serve. We are deeply grateful for her time, her kindness, and her willingness to step up in every way imaginable.
Please join us in thanking Barb Birky for her outstanding service and celebrating her as our July Volunteer Spotlight!
PROP Names Christy Nicolaisen as New Executive Director
PROP is pleased to announce the appointment of Christy Nicolaisen as its new Executive Director, ushering in an exciting new chapter for the organization as it continues its mission of providing nutritious food, housing support, and pathways to stability for neighbors across the southwest metro.
Nicolaisen joins PROP with more than 30 years of nonprofit leadership experience and a distinguished track record of advancing community development, educational opportunity, and social impact initiatives. Throughout her career, she has led complex nonprofit organizations, secured multimillion-dollar funding, and developed programs that have served thousands of individuals and families.
“The Board is excited to welcome Christy to PROP and the leadership she brings to our organization. Together with our dedicated staff, volunteers, donors, and community partners, we look forward to building on PROP’s strong foundation, strengthening our impact, and advancing our mission for the neighbors we serve.”
A mission-driven executive, human rights advocate, and former Department of Justice Accredited Representative, Nicolaisen brings extensive expertise in strategic planning, fundraising, coalition building, public advocacy, and multicultural community engagement. Her leadership has focused on creating opportunities for underserved populations, fostering meaningful partnerships, and developing innovative solutions to address community challenges.
Nicolaisen’s appointment comes at a pivotal time as PROP continues to expand programs and services designed to address food insecurity and support long-term stability for individuals and families throughout the community. Under her leadership, the organization will continue advancing innovative solutions that improve access to nutritious food, strengthen housing stability, and foster community well-being.
“I am honored to join PROP and build upon the organization’s long history of serving our community with dignity, compassion, and respect,” said Nicolaisen. “PROP has earned the trust of thousands of individuals and families, and I look forward to working alongside staff, volunteers, donors, and community partners to expand opportunities, address food insecurity, and strengthen pathways to stability and self-sufficiency.”
Nicolaisen is known for her collaborative leadership style and unwavering commitment to strengthening communities. Her ability to bring together stakeholders across sectors and develop sustainable solutions has earned her numerous honors throughout her career, including recognition as one of Sioux City’s 40 Leaders Under 40, the Young Woman of Excellence Award, and several community leadership awards.
A licensed educator with degrees in Elementary Education and Spanish, Nicolaisen remains deeply committed to empowering individuals, strengthening organizations, and creating lasting positive change in communities both nationally and internationally.
PROP looks forward to the leadership, experience, and vision Nicolaisen brings as the organization continues its work to ensure all neighbors have access to the resources they need to thrive.
Beans Are Trending Again—Here’s How to Cook Them
Note: We have not personally tested these recipes. They come from The Arcadia Mobile Market Seasonal Cookbook by Juju Harris.
If it feels like beans are suddenly everywhere again, you’re not imagining it. A recent NPR article highlights how, during uncertain economic times, people tend to turn to beans and legumes—an affordable, nutritious, and incredibly versatile staple.
Beans are rich in protein, packed with fiber, and easy to stretch into satisfying meals. They’re also accessible, making them an ideal ingredient for households looking to make healthy, budget-conscious choices.
Inspired by this growing trend, we partnered with our Wellness Coach, Karyn, to share a few bean-centered recipes that our neighbors can try at home. Whether you’re cooking for your family or just looking to add more plant-forward meals into your week, these recipes offer simple, flexible ways to use pantry staples.
Half-Veggie Burgers
Serves 8
These burgers combine beans or lentils with ground meat for a balanced, flavorful option that stretches ingredients further.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked lentils or beans
- 1 cup finely chopped bell pepper (or other vegetable)
- 1 pound ground beef or other ground meat
- 1 egg (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 buns
Directions
- Roughly mash the lentils or beans with the back of a large spoon.
- Mix with the chopped vegetables and ground meat. If grilling, add the egg to help bind the patties. Season with salt and pepper and form into 8 patties.
- Cook in a skillet over medium-high heat (or on a grill) until browned, about 5 minutes per side. Add cheese after flipping if desired.
- Serve on toasted buns with your favorite toppings and vegetables.
Tip: Any leftover uncooked patties can be refrigerated for a few days or frozen for up to 2 weeks.
Spicy Black Bean Patties
Serves 8
A hearty, plant-forward option with bold flavor and a crispy finish.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, peeled and thinly sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, pressed
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and coarsely grated
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup plain dried breadcrumbs
Directions
- Preheat broiler to high.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook about 1 minute. Add garlic, hot sauce, and cumin and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Transfer to a bowl.
- Add black beans and mash, leaving about one-quarter of the beans whole. Season with salt and pepper. Fold in sweet potato, eggs, and breadcrumbs.
- Brush a baking sheet with remaining olive oil. Shape mixture into 8 patties and place on the sheet.
- Broil about 8–10 minutes until browned, then carefully flip and broil an additional 2–3 minutes until crisp.
Beans & Greens Tacos
Serves 6
A quick, colorful meal that highlights beans alongside fresh greens and simple toppings.
Ingredients
- Vegetable oil (for coating tortillas)
- 6 corn tortillas
- 2 cups black or pinto beans
- 1/2 pound collard greens, shredded
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or Cheddar cheese
- 2 cups tomatoes, diced
- 3 scallions, sliced
- 1/2 bunch cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- Hot sauce or salsa
Directions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Lightly coat tortillas with vegetable oil and place on a baking sheet. Bake about 10 minutes until golden and crisp.
- In a large pot over medium heat, warm the beans and collard greens, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- Assemble tacos by layering beans and greens onto tortillas. Top with cheese, tomatoes, scallions, and cilantro.
- Serve with lime wedges and hot sauce or salsa.
Why Beans Matter Right Now
Beans are more than just a pantry staple—they’re a powerful community resource. They’re affordable, shelf-stable, and adaptable across cuisines and dietary needs. At a time when many families are stretching their grocery budgets, beans offer a way to create filling, nutritious meals without sacrificing flavor.
We’re grateful to partner with Karyn to share simple recipes that help make healthy eating more accessible. If you try any of these dishes, we’d love to hear how they turned out and what variations you made your own.
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How to Use Garlic Scapes: A Fresh, Flavorful Guide
If you’ve ever spotted curly green stalks popping up at farmers markets in late spring or early summer, you’ve likely encountered garlic scapes. These vibrant shoots are not just a byproduct of garlic—they’re a culinary gem in their own right. Mild, slightly sweet, and delicately garlicky, scapes are versatile, nutritious, and easy to incorporate into everyday cooking.
Let’s dive into how to use them!
What Are Garlic Scapes?
Garlic scapes are the flowering stems of hardneck garlic plants. Farmers trim them to encourage the plant to focus energy on growing larger bulbs—but instead of discarding them, we get to enjoy them in the kitchen.
They have:
- A mild garlic flavor (less pungent than cloves)
- A crisp, slightly fibrous texture
- A delightful curled, whimsical appearance
How to Prepare Garlic Scapes
Prepping garlic scapes is simple:
- Wash thoroughly to remove any dirt.
- Trim the ends:
- Remove the tough, woody base.
- Snip off the pointed tip if it feels dry.
- Chop as needed:
- Slice into small pieces for sautéing
- Leave longer for grilling or roasting
👉 Think of them as halfway between green beans and green onions in texture and use.
Delicious Ways to Use Garlic Scapes
1. Sautéed Garlic Scapes
A quick, easy way to enjoy their flavor.
How to:
- Heat olive oil in a pan
- Add chopped scapes + a pinch of salt
- Cook 5–7 minutes until tender
Great as a side dish or tossed with pasta
2. Garlic Scape Pesto
A fan-favorite and arguably the best use!
Blend together:
- Garlic scapes
- Nuts (pine nuts, walnuts, or almonds)
- Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
Use it on pasta, sandwiches, grilled veggies, or even pizza.
3. Grilled or Roasted
Perfect for bringing out a sweet, smoky flavor.
Instructions:
- Toss whole scapes in oil + salt
- Grill or roast at 400°F (200°C) for ~10–15 minutes
- Serve as a side or chop into dishes
4. Add to Stir-Fries & Scrambles
Slice scapes into bite-sized pieces and toss into:
- Veggie stir-fries
- Egg scrambles or omelets
- Fried rice
They act like a milder garlic/onion combo.
5. Pickled Garlic Scapes
Tangy and crunchy—great for snacking or charcuterie boards.
Basic idea:
- Pack scapes into jars
- Cover with hot vinegar brine (water, vinegar, salt, sugar, spices)
- Refrigerate for at least a few days
6. Garlic Scape Butter
Upgrade your butter game:
- Finely chop scapes
- Mix with softened butter, salt, and lemon zest
- Chill and use on bread, steak, or veggies
Storage Tips
- Keep scapes in the fridge in a plastic bag
- They’ll stay fresh for up to 2–3 weeks
- You can also freeze chopped scapes for later use
Flavor Pairings
Garlic scapes work beautifully with:
- Lemon and fresh herbs
- Butter and cream
- Potatoes and eggs
- Chicken, beef, and seafood
- Cheese (especially Parmesan and feta)
Garlic scapes are a seasonal treat worth grabbing when you see them. Their mild flavor makes them incredibly versatile, whether you’re blending pesto, grilling them whole, or tossing them into everyday dishes.
Pro tip: If you love garlic but want something more subtle and fresh, scapes might become your new favorite ingredient.
From Tucson to PROP: A Week of Service, Heart, and Impact
This week, PROP had the joy of welcoming a group of incredible students from Lifepoint Church in Tucson, Arizona—and what a week it was.
Trading desert heat for a Minnesota mission, these students are spending a week in our community, staying at Eden Prairie Assembly of God (EPAG) while dedicating their time to serving others. From the moment they arrived, they brought energy, enthusiasm, and a deep commitment to making a difference.
And they certainly did.
In just a few short hours, this hardworking group made a powerful impact across multiple areas of PROP’s operations. They packed 60 meal kits, helping ensure families in our community have access to nutritious, ready-to-go food. They gave our shopping carts a much-needed refresh, creating a more welcoming experience for the neighbors we serve. They also rolled up their sleeves and washed two of our vans, keeping essential transportation running clean and smoothly.
Behind the scenes, they jumped into critical tasks like weighing food, helping maintain accuracy and efficiency in our distribution processes. But one of the biggest highlights? Tackling an impressive donation from EPAG.
Together, they unloaded and sorted more than 600 pounds of macaroni and cheese—a cornerstone item for our Summer Food for Kids program. That’s 600 pounds of future meals, ready to help keep kids in our community nourished and cared for throughout the summer months.
Every box packed. Every cart cleaned. Every pound sorted. Each act of service added up to something bigger—a tangible expression of community care and compassion.
We are so grateful for the time, energy, and heart these students poured into their week at PROP. Their willingness to serve reminds us that meaningful impact doesn’t require a lifetime—it can happen in just a few focused days with people who care.
To the Lifepoint Church team: thank you for showing up, working hard, and making a difference. Tucson, you should be proud—we certainly are. 💛
PROP Volunteer Spotlight: Meet Mary
At PROP, our volunteers are the heart of everything we do—and today, we’re excited to introduce you to one of our incredible team members: Mary!
Mary has been volunteering with PROP for the past 2.5 years, bringing dedication, positivity, and a great sense of humor to every shift. You’ll most often find her in the produce area, where she proudly holds the title of onion peeler extraordinaire and lemon mold detector. It’s a job that takes a keen eye and a willingness to roll up your sleeves—and Mary does it all with a smile.
When asked about her favorite part of volunteering, Mary didn’t hesitate:
“The people! All of them.”
From fellow volunteers to PROP staff and the community members we serve, it’s clear that connection and kindness are what make her experience so meaningful.
A fun fact about Mary? She once served in the Peace Corps in Brazil—a testament to her lifelong commitment to service and helping others.
Mary, we are so grateful for the energy, compassion, and joy you bring to PROP. Thank you for being such an important part of our community!
Hunger Doesn’t Always Look Like What You Expect
When people think about hunger, they often picture something far away.
A different place.
A different kind of community.
Not here.
Not in neighborhoods filled with good schools, busy families, and grocery stores just a short drive away. But hunger exists here, too. And in suburban communities, it often goes unseen.
It doesn’t always look like empty cupboards or obvious need. More often, it looks like families doing everything they can to keep things feeling normal.
It looks like:
Packing lunches that stretch just enough
Saying “we’ll go to the store later”
Making one meal last longer than it should
It looks like quiet adjustments—made every day.
During the school year, there is a built-in support system.
Children have access to breakfast and lunch.
There is structure.
There is consistency.
Even for families who are struggling, those meals create a sense of stability.
But when summer arrives, that support disappears.
And in suburban communities—where need is often less visible—families are more likely to carry that burden alone. For children, the impact can be subtle, but significant. Hunger doesn’t always show up as asking for more food.
Sometimes it sounds like:
“I’m not that hungry.”
“I’ll eat later.”
Or it looks like taking a smaller portion without being asked.
Summer should feel fun and light. But for many children, it becomes a season of quiet awareness— of what’s available, what’s running low, and what might not be replaced right away.
At PROP, we see how quickly this shift happens.
Families who may not have needed support before come in for the first time. Not because they haven’t planned. Not because they haven’t tried. But because the loss of school meals creates a gap that’s hard to fill—especially when costs continue to rise.
Suburban hunger can be harder to recognize. There’s often a belief that resources are abundant, that families are “doing fine,” or that help is available somewhere else.
But the reality is:
Many families are navigating this quietly.
Without drawing attention.
Without knowing where to turn.
That’s why support during the summer months matters so much. It meets families where they are—without assumption, without judgment. It provides food, yes. But it also provides something just as important: Relief.
Because when families don’t have to worry about how they’ll make it through the week, everything else becomes more possible. Children can focus on being kids. Parents can focus on stability instead of survival. And summer can begin to feel like what it’s meant to be.
When you give, you’re helping make that shift possible—right here in our community.
Not somewhere else.
Not someday.
But now.
Make your first impact today.
Because hunger doesn’t always look the way we expect—but together, we can make sure it doesn’t go unanswered.
Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive Returns to Eden Prairie on May 9
On Saturday, May 9, 2026, the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) will once again host its annual Stamp Out Hunger® Food Drive, the largest one-day food drive in the country. Locally, Eden Prairie letter carriers are proud to participate by collecting much-needed food and personal care items from neighborhood mailboxes and delivering them directly to PROP Food Shelf, where they will be distributed to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity in Eden Prairie and Chanhassen.
This annual food drive is a simple but powerful way for neighbors to help neighbors. In the weeks leading up to the event, PROP Food Shelf is providing printed donation bags that letter carriers will distribute to area residents. Participating is easy: residents simply fill the bag with nonperishable food or personal care items and place it next to their mailbox by mail delivery time on May 9. From there, letter carriers will take care of the rest—transporting every donation to PROP Food Shelf for immediate use in the community.
Items Most Needed
The need for food shelf support remains high, and PROP has identified several items that are especially helpful right now, including:
- High-protein canned or bagged items (such as tuna, chicken, beans, or peanut butter)
- Pasta and pasta sauce
- Canned fruit
- Pancake mix and syrup
- Coffee
- Condiments
- Full-sized personal care items (such as shampoo, body wash, toothpaste, and deodorant)
All donated items go directly to support local community members facing crisis, helping to ensure they have access to nutritious food and essential household products.
Ways to Participate
- Fill the provided bag and leave it by your mailbox on May 9
- Encourage friends and neighbors to take part
- Make a financial donation online at www.propfood.org for those who prefer to give virtually
Every donation—large or small—makes a meaningful difference. Together, Eden Prairie residents, letter carriers, and PROP Food Shelf can help ensure that no neighbor has to face hunger alone.
When School Ends, Hunger Doesn’t: The Reality for Local Families
But for hundreds of families in our community, summer brings something far more difficult: uncertainty.
During the school year, children rely on access to free and reduced-price meals to help meet their daily nutritional needs. When school doors close, those meals disappear—leaving families to stretch already tight budgets even further.
This is what we call the summer hunger gap—and it is a reality that continues to grow in our community.
The Hidden Challenge of Summer
At PROP, we see firsthand how quickly needs shift when summer begins.
Families who may have been getting by during the school year suddenly face:
- Increased grocery costs with children home all day
- Fewer structured meal opportunities
- Rising pressure on already limited household budgets
For many, this means making impossible choices between food, rent, utilities, and other essential needs.
And increasingly, we are seeing families come to PROP for the first time during the summer months—seeking support to bridge this seasonal gap.
How PROP Steps In: Summer Food for Kids
That’s where Summer Food for Kids (SFFK) comes in.
PROP’s Summer Food for Kids program is designed to ensure that children continue to have access to nutritious, reliable food—even when school is out.
Through this program, families receive additional food support specifically intended to replace the meals children would typically receive during the school day.
Each Summer Food for Kids distribution is thoughtfully designed to meet real needs, offering:
- Kid-friendly, easy-to-prepare meals
- Fresh and perishable items like fruits, vegetables, dairy, and protein
- Staple pantry items that help families build complete, balanced meals
This year, we are also continuing to evolve the program based on what we hear directly from neighbors—expanding access to fresh, nutritious options and exploring new ways to bring food directly into the community.
Because we know that access matters just as much as availability.
More Than a Meal
Summer Food for Kids is about more than food.
It’s about stability.
It’s about dignity.
It’s about making sure every child can enjoy summer without hunger standing in the way.
When families have reliable access to food, it allows them to focus on everything else that matters—work, childcare, education, and overall well-being.
How You Can Help
As we prepare for the summer months, the need is already building.
You can be part of ensuring that no child in our community goes without the food they need by:
- Making a financial gift to support fresh and perishable food purchases
- Organizing a donation drive (with updated needs lists coming soon)
- Sharing this message to help raise awareness of the summer hunger gap
Every dollar, every donation, and every act of support helps us meet families where they are—when they need it most.
Together, we can ensure that when school ends, support doesn’t.
A Community Ready to Help: Join Us to Pack for a Purpose
Over the past few months, we’ve heard a message again and again—from longtime supporters, new families, corporate teams, and neighbors who simply want to do something meaningful:
“How can I help?”
It’s one of the most encouraging things we hear at PROP. In a time when so many local families are facing uncertainty, our community continues to step forward with generosity, compassion, and a desire to make a difference. People want to roll up their sleeves. They want to support their neighbors. They want to know their actions matter.
And here is one simple, powerful opportunity to do exactly that.
On February 10 from 5–7 PM, PROP is hosting Pack for a Purpose: Community Night—a hands‑on volunteer event where community members of all ages come together to pack food boxes for PROP clients. These boxes go directly to households in Eden Prairie and Chanhassen who rely on PROP each month for essential groceries.
If you’ve ever wondered what you can do to support local families, this is it.
Unlike fundraisers or long‑term volunteer commitments, Pack for a Purpose is designed for anyone who wants to help in a direct, tangible way. For two hours, volunteers will sort, assemble, and pack food items that become part of the lifeline PROP provides to families experiencing food insecurity. It’s simple work—but the impact is anything but small.
The best part? Everyone is welcome. Bring your kids. Invite a friend. Come on your own and meet others who care about strengthening our community. No special skills needed—just a willingness to lend a hand.
If you’ve been wanting to get involved, wanting to give back, or wanting to show support for families in our community, we hope you’ll join us. This is a night where your time becomes kindness made visible—one box at a time.
UPDATE: This event is now full. We will be holding another event soon. Thank you for your interest.