A new partnership between the Heart of New Ulm’s Food Environment Action Team, the New Ulm Public Library, South Central MN Food Recovery and Region 9 Development Commission has brought a fresh opportunity for community members in need to obtain free, nutritious produce.
On Oct. 8, 2026, New Ulm Mayor Kathleen Backer performed the official ribbon cutting for the new Heart of New Ulm Community Fridge and Freezer at the New Ulm Public Library. Members of the Heart of New Ulm Leadership Team and Food Environment Action Team, as well as representatives from New Ulm Public Library, were also present.
The new Heart of New Ulm Community Fridge and Freezer is in the hallway leading to the Children’s Library, which is accessible through the library’s back entrance. Free nutritious fresh and frozen produce is available to anyone in need to retrieve during regular library hours: Monday through Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Community members are asked to take only what they need for the day and leave the rest for other community members.
“Our Food Environment Action Team works to develop and support policies and practices that improve the access, availability and identification of healthy foods in venues throughout the community, and we have been having conversations around food recovery for a number of years,” said Kaitlin Gawrisch, community health improvement coordinator for the Heart of New Ulm. “This year, Minnesota Student Survey Data told us that less than 3 percent of local children are eating the recommended five or more servings of fruits and vegetables a day. That statistic spurred the team to take action and we’re very excited to be able to provide families in need with a little extra help to be able to serve more fruits and vegetables.”
The produce in the fridge and freezer has been recovered through Mankato-based South Central MN Food Recovery, which aims to provide nutritious, recovered food to people who are low income, food insecure and/or Black, Indigenous, or people of color. Region 9 Development Commission is helping transport the produce weekly from Mankato to New Ulm. The Heart of New Ulm Community Fridge and Freezer initiative is made by possible through a grant from Brown County’s Minnesota Statewide Health Improvement Partnership.
Gawrisch said they welcome donations of fresh produce to the Heart of New Ulm Community Fridge and Freezer from local businesses that are licensed to sell. They are unable to accept donations from personal gardens. For donation inquiries or more information, please email Kaitlin.gawrisch@allina.com.
Read more about the Heart of New Ulm Community Fridge and Freezer in the Journal.