As of April 30, ApplyMN, the new online application system, has been successfully deployed and is available to users statewide. Minnesotans now have the option to apply for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), health care, cash assistance, emergency help, breast and cervical cancer coverage, family planning and child care assistance programs online. Please refer to Bulletin #12-21-04 for additional information about ApplyMN. 10% of Store To Door clients are currently using SNAP benefits while 40% are eligible.

Quite often, at presentations, the question comes up: How much does it cost to shop for and deliver groceries using Store To Door?  Store To Door’s clients need a different level of service than other companies can provide.  Clients are called every other week, reached out to by a trained volunteer who places the order online with the client on the phone.  If there’s a question at the store, the shopper will call the client to clarify so the right item is purchased.  Clients receive their groceries from a trained and insured part-time staff delivery person who brings groceries into the kitchen and assists in unpacking and loosening lids as needed.  In 2012, the total cost to deliver one order is $42.62.  A portion of that cost per order is covered by the $3 to $15 delivery fee that clients pay on a sliding scale based on income.  The majority of clients (74%) are living well below the federal poverty level.  The request for a contribution toward the delivery fee is required by the State of Minnesota.  The majority of our service is supported with help from individual donors, corporate supporters like Cub Foods, foundations and the Metropolitan Area on Aging.  Cub Foods is a valued partner, providing competitive prices and significant financial support each year.

Store To Door strives to keep its costs down.  Over the years, generous community support and strong business practices have worked to do so.  Despite rising gas prices, insurance costs and supplies, Store To Door remains committed to serving homebound elderly adults with access to nutritious and affordable food.

Now in its third year, this program has resulted in Aurora passing on thousands of dollars in contributions. Store To Door is Aurora’s 2012 recipient for Watch Batteries for a Cause. In January 2012, we received a donation of $676.00!

Need a new watch battery? Looking for jewelry and seeking personalized and very skilled assistance in selecting or designing a piece? Call Cyrea Lynch at Aurora Jewelers: 11995 Singletree Lane, Eden Prairie MN 55344 or phone 952-943-2242.

Thank you Cyrea for attending an informational meeting and recognizing the value of Store To Door’s contribution to our community!