Prop News
Most Needed Items
Here are the most commonly needed items
Food Items
Canned Chicken
Canned Chili
Canned Stew
Diced Tomatoes
Canned Fruit
Peanut Butter
Oatmeal (instant/rolled)
Healthy Snacks (granola bars, crackers, pretzels)
Pasta Mix/ Sides
Rice (Brown/Mix)
Tea/ Coffee
Tomato paste/ Tomato Sauce
100% Juice (Apple, Orange, Grape, Grapefruit)
Pancake Mix and Syrup
Canned Tuna
Pasta Sauce
Jelly
Gluten free items
Ethnic food staples
Non-food items
Personal Care:
Bar Soap
Shampoo
Conditioner
Body wash
Tooth brushes
Tooth paste
Men’s and Women’s deodorant
Pull-Ups : Boys and Girls all sizes
Paper products
Baby Wipes
Kleenex
Paper Towels
Toilet Paper
Donations can be dropped off Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9:30am -1:00pm and Wednesday evening 3:00pm – 6:30pm.
Here is our list of items for a food drive PROP Food Shelf Food Drive Items
Thank you for everything. I was very worried when I saw the empty shelves at the grocery stores on the news. I’m so relieved to get food here for my family, especially since I can’t go to work and the children are home now
Join our team
Job Opening 1: Case Manager
PROP is seeking a detail-oriented, community-minded individual to join a passionate and highly collaborative social services team as a Case Manager. We take pride in working within our values of client-centered compassion, integrity, and respect. We support an inclusive and collaborative culture with flexibility and a space for fun. Given our team’s size, we are able to be flexible and agile in changing our programs and services to meet the needs of our community.
PROP Case Managers provide assessment and advocacy by connecting clients who need additional support and services to internal or community resources. In addition to being a point of contact with new clients of our food shelf, Case Managers work collaboratively with the Social Services team, and under the direction of an LICSW supervisor, to partner with clients, building relationships and supporting a path toward self-sufficiency and self- advocacy.
TO LEARN MORE CLICK HERE
HOW TO APPLY: Qualified candidates should submit a resume and a cover letter that specifically addresses requested experience and responsibilities and tells us why you see yourself as a great match. Please send to careers@propfood.org with the subject line “PROP Case Manager”. Applicants will be screened as they are received and the position will be filled when the best candidate is identified. No phone calls, please.
Holiday Program 2022
During the upcoming holiday season, economic challenges due to the pandemic and escalating inflation will continue to be significant for PROP clients. Your donation of a $25 food or gas gift card will allow PROP to provide extra help to our clients where most needed.
Here is how you can help:
- $25 gift cards may be purchased at Cub or a local gas station such as Holiday or Speedway (please choose the “gas only” option). You may mail or deliver this donation to PROP Food Shelf (14700 Martin Drive, Eden Prairie, MN 55344).
- Send a check to PROP or give on-line towards the purchase of food and gas cards to help local families during the holiday season. We will happily do the shopping for you!
- Make a gift online for other needs a family may have during the holiday season.
Over the past year, PROP’s client base has grown by over 1,000 individuals. In addition to the food shelf, PROP is expanding our other services as the need continues to grow.
The holidays can be especially challenging if you are struggling, whether due to a job loss, an illness, or a personal crisis. This year, times may be even harder. Bringing joy and financial assistance to those in need will make such a difference this holiday season.
Meet our summer intern – Megan Hoffhines
PROP Food Shelf was honored to be selected by The Lutheran Center for Faith, Values and Community at St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN, to receive a summer intern from the college for the second year in a row. This summer we welcomed Megan Hoffhines, a social work and music major from Wilmette, Illinois. As she concludes her internship, Megan took some time to share a bit about her experience at PROP. We are very grateful to St. Olaf College for sponsoring such a high quality student to serve in our community and further PROP’s mission.
Q & A with Megan
Why don’t you start by telling us a little bit about yourself?
I am a social work and music major at St. Olaf College from Wilmette, IL. I originally chose St. Olaf for the music community and love playing everything “percussion” (from marimba to boomwhackers) with my friends in the St. Olaf Band and Orchestra. When not rehearsing or playing, I am working with St. Olaf’s Broadcast Media team, sending emails as our Percussion Manager, or working on something social work-y for my classes. While I’m at home for the summer, I fix up old furniture with my mom and pet my two cats, Chipmunk and Squirrel, in my free time.
How did you find out about the internship at PROP and why did you choose to apply?
I found out about this internship through the Lutheran Center at St. Olaf. While searching for an internship this summer, my goals were to work with people who are making a real difference and to try out real-life social work skills by talking to real people or clients. I’ve found multiple awesome internships through St. Olaf resources in the past, and an email from the Lutheran Center dropped PROP’s internship position right on my lap. It was easy to see that PROP is doing great things for the Eden Prairie and Chanhassen communities, and I love that their mission is big-picture and client-centered; I knew I wanted to be here.
What made you say yes when PROP offered you the position?
My first phone calls with Mary Brown were so understanding and patient (we had trouble connecting a few times because we were both so busy, so I knew she would understand me!). It was clear that everyone at PROP was going to be so supportive of anything I work on or try out. Everyone made and continues to make meaningful relationships with me, and I could tell it was a great team to work with right from the start.
What have been the highlights of your internship at PROP in terms of responsibilities?
Part of what I love about this internship is that I’m kept busy: I’ve worked on more projects than I can keep track of since the beginning of June, and connected with people in all corners of PROP. I’ve enjoyed my more creative projects, like writing articles for newsletters and grant writing, just as much as the larger overarching jobs. One highlight has been working with the Case Management team on preliminary calls to clients, which has allowed me to practice nearly everything I’ve learned in social work classes at St. Olaf while learning a lot about myself and social work as a whole.
Has this internship validated your career choice?
This internship has definitely validated my career choice and what I feel to be my vocation. Social work classes at St. Olaf have been amazing in preparing me for real-world client interactions, but with PROP I get to see all sides of the process, and sometimes am a part of client stories that are tougher than anything a class could offer. I’m thankful that everyone at PROP has put trust in me, putting me on the front lines, and I’ve learned a lot about myself in the process – My concerns about the irony of being an introverted social work major have relaxed!
How has The Lutheran Center for Faith, Values and Community at St. Olaf supported you during this time?
I’m exceptionally grateful to The Lutheran Center for connecting me with PROP and sponsoring my summer with them. St. Olaf as a whole has introduced me to so many people through internships in particular, and this one has blossomed into more than I imagined when I began this June! I feel significantly more prepared for not only my classes this fall with newfound experience and knowledge, but my entire career in the future.
What are you most looking forward to next year back at St. Olaf?
Next year is a busy year: I’m excited to begin a full-time social work internship with the Northfield Hospital as a part of my degree in the fall, and have three tours with my music ensembles to look forward to!
Megan was a terrific addition to the PROP team this summer. Her exceptional maturity and competence, demonstrated through her ability to tackle detailed projects independently, speaks to the high level of preparedness she has developed through her education. She will be a great asset to any workplace and we are so grateful for her many contributions to PROP, especially the positive impact on the clients we serve.
Megan has been a joy to work with this summer. The gifts and abilities she brought to us were exactly what we needed at this critical time coming out of the pandemic. Her positivity, professionalism and work ethic have contributed to her many accomplishments in helping our clients in a myriad of ways. The transformative impact of her work will continue, even as she leaves to return to St. Olaf College.
Open Your Heart Campaign
- $50: Feeds a family of four for a day
- $100: Gives a child a scholarship to participate in an enrichment activity like camp or swim lessons
- $250: Provides gas cards for 10 clients to attend job interviews
- $1000: Sponsors an entire day at the Food Shelf so everyone has food
- $1500: Keeps a family from becoming homeless through eviction and remain stably housed
Social Services Online Form
Summer Food For Kids Program 2022
FEEDING KIDS ALL SUMMER LONG WITH PROP
Summer is here and even though the pandemic has changed a lot of things, kids needing food isn’t one of them! During the summer, when children do not receive free/reduced lunch at school, we provide additional food to their families. Families often have difficulty securing enough food in the summer months.
PROP’s Summer Food for Kids Program remains a vital part of our mission to keep everyone fed. This program provides families with children (0-18) with extra healthy kid-friendly foods (fresh fruits and veggies, dairy items like cheese and yogurt, and fan favorites like peanut butter, jelly and granola bars) during the summer months.
With the food prices on the rise, please make an online gift to help us purchase the healthy kid friendly food!
Empty Bowls 2022
The main aim of this fundraiser has been creating awareness and combating hunger in our community. As the pandemic is on the rise again, we have decided to keep the event virtual this year too but not without including exciting activities for our community.
Virtual tour of PROP with our new executive director, Jenifer Loon
See how the food shelf works behind the scenes!
February 22 proclaimed as Empty Bowls Day
On February 8 Mayor Ron Case, on behalf of the Eden Prairie City Council, issued a Proclamation* declaring February 22, 2022 as Empty Bowls Day.
*Mayoral Proclamations are issued to publicly recognize an event that has great significance in the community. Proclamations become part of the historical record of the municipality.
Take a complimentary bowl home
We have partnered with a favorite cafe to hand out a complimentary bowl to anyone who stops by on February 22nd. So visit Smith Coffee & Cafe between 8 am – 3 pm on 22nd February to enjoy a warm coffee and more, and take a bowl home.
Our Executive Director Jenifer Loon’s secret Chicken Wild Rice Soup Recipe
Make it, share it on social media with #PROPSoupChallenge hashtag, and stand a chance to win a fun gift bag from Lakewinds Food Co-op. Drawing will be held on Monday, February 28.
Jenifer’s Chicken and Wild Rice Soup recipe
Servings: 8-10 generous servings; Prep Time: 35 min; Cook time: 25 min; Ready: 60 min
Ingredients
1 cup wild rice (measured before cooking), cooked
1 stick (1/2 cup) butter
1 large onion, finely chopped
3-4 stalks of celery, diced
3-4 carrots, peeled and diced
1⁄2 cup all-purpose flour
4 15 oz. cans of low sodium chicken broth (or use 2 quart-size containers)
1 to 2 tbsp Better than Bouillon Chicken base paste*
1 1/2 tsp dried thyme
2 generous cups of diced, cooked chicken (1⁄2 or more of a cooked rotisserie chicken, or 2 boneless chicken breasts, cooked and diced) Salt and pepper to taste
1⁄4 tsp ground cayenne pepper* (optional)
1⁄2 cup half and half
1⁄4 cup Italian flat leaf parsley, finely chopped
Method
- Rinse and simmer 1 cup wild rice with 3 cups of water until rice becomes tender, but not mushy (about 35 min.) Drain rice (if still liquid in the pan) and set rice aside.
- In large stock pot over medium-low heat, melt the stick of butter and add the onion. Sauté for 8-10 minutes until onions are very soft and translucent, then add celery and carrots and 1⁄2 tsp salt. Sauté vegetables for about 5 minutes over medium heat, until they begin to soften. Sprinkle in flour, stirring well as you add it to incorporate. Cook this mixture for a minute or two to cook out the raw flour taste. Gradually add the chicken broth, one can at a time, stirring constantly while adding to combine with the flour. Add thyme, 1/2 tsp salt and black pepper to taste. Turn the heat up to medium to medium-high, bringing the soup to a simmer. Add 1 to 2 tbsp ‘Better than Bouillon’ chicken base paste and stir well. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. When the mixture is hot and thickened, add diced chicken and cooked wild rice. Add 1-2 cups water to thin, depending on your preferred thickness of the soup, and allow to cook until all ingredients are combined and hot, then taste for seasoning.
- You can add a tiny dash of cayenne powder if you like (I usually don’t). Adjust for seasoning. For a more robust chicken flavor, add more of the chicken base, 1 tbsp at a time, but be aware it is quite salty. You can always add more water or broth if the soup is too thick. When the soup is piping hot and well-seasoned (taste test), stir in 1⁄2 cup half and half and then mix in the parsley.
Note: Do not let the soup boil after adding the half and half, as it could curdle. If you prefer, you can just leave the half and half out—it is optional. Conversely, you could substitute heavy cream for the half and half to make the soup richer and creamier. Soup flavor is even better the next day!
Vegan Option: Substitute olive oil (1/2 c.) for the butter, use vegetable broth instead of chicken, and omit Bouillon base. Add 2 cups sliced or diced sautéed mushrooms instead of chicken. Omit half and half.
Click here to download the recipe!
Soup of the Day Restaurants
Our local restaurants are partnering with us during Empty Bowls week. These restaurants have been a long-standing Empty Bowl soup provider, so instead of us picking up soup, we are encouraging you to order directly from them. Each day a local donor will give $5 to PROP for every order placed up to $500 per day.
February 21: Peoples Organic
February 22: Houlihan’s
February 23: Tavern 4&5
February 24: Kona Grill
February 25: Crumb Gourmet Deli
Check out each restaurant with Jenifer!
Empty Bowls 2022 Sponsors
Thank you to our 2022 Empty Bowls Sponsors
Sandcastle Foundation
Zinpro
Henkel
Tennant
Scoular
St. Andrew Lutheran Church
Chanhassen American Legion
Barr Engineering
ECA Marketing
Scheels
EA Sween
Lakewinds
WSB
Western National Insurance
Trinity Exteriors
Immanuel Lutheran
Greenheck Group
Xcel Energy
Knights of Columbus
Electrical Production Services
Charter Bank
Quantitative Advantage
Old National
MidwestOne Bank
Prairie School of Dance
Jerry’s Foods
State Farm
Pax Christi
Welu Home Team
Washburn McReavy
Star Bank
Gunnar
Featured News
Recent News
Keeping Families in their Homes for the Holidays Matching Campaign
Making Holidays Bright for All
“PROP means a lot to our family.”
Here is Angela’s Story : PROP was a life saver for us during the pandemic. At the time, I was pregnant and my husband was laid off and also had issues with his unemployment benefits. We couldn’t pay our full rent and so we were behind on payments. PROP helped us catch up on rent, utilities and even found a resource to help make a car payment. We thank PROP for all of the support, care, loads of food and beneficial resources.” Your gift to PROP can help families throughout Eden Prairie and Chanhassen who are facing the same stressors as Angela’s. As the end of the year approaches, please consider sending a tax-deductible donation to PROP. For every gift given this holiday season, a generous local couple will match your gift dollar-for dollar up to $25,000. Your investment in PROP will have double the impact! This gift match opportunity ends December 31st at midnight. We thank you.
Give Stocks and Appreciated Investments
OR
Mail a check to PROP Food at 14700 Martin Drive, Eden Prairie, MN 55344. Please write ‘Housing’ on the check.
Holiday Gift Program 2021
Back by popular demand, we are excited to share our Holiday Program for 2021. This special program provides seniors and families with kids $30 gift cards for the holiday. PROP clients love this program to help ease the financial burden they experience during the holiday and as one mom mentioned, it helps me “continue to pay extra towards the bills that have a past due balance AND STILL surprise my kids with something nice!”
Here’s how you can sponsor a child or senior this holiday!
Purchase Gift Card Online and have it sent directly to PROP.
Buy a $30 Target Gift Card* at any Target store and mail to PROP (14700 Martin Drive, Eden Prairie, MN 55344).