Feeding Families in Need
In Central Minnesota
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We have the power to create an impact, one meal at a time.
In the U.S., more than 1 in 6 children don’t know where their next meal is coming from and often go to bed hungry. No child, regardless of age, should be worried about hunger.
The cost per meal to feed
a family of 6 is only
$1.80
Feeding a child breakfast, lunch, and dinner for an entire month is only
$30
Our communities need us.
Let’s end hunger, one donation at a time.
The Brainerd Lakes Outreach Program is a compassionate humanitarian organization dedicated to providing essential food assistance.
Our unwavering mission is feeding families and enriching lives. Located in the Brainerd Lakes area, 80-90% of the meals we package will be distributed right here in Minnesota. The remaining 10-20% will be used for disaster relief and/or international distribution.
meals packed since 2012
We package 10 different meals that are nutrient dense, including protein, vitamins, and minerals. They only require 3-8 cups of boiling water, and each packet contains 6 servings.
UPCOMING EVENT
2026 Fishing to End Hunger Tournament
October 3rd, 2026
Get ready to reel in the excitement at our upcoming fishing tournament and show your support for The Outreach Program in the Brainerd Lakes Area. Register for the fishing tournament today!
1/23/2026. The Outreach Program of Brainerd Lakes Press Release: Vaughn Larson joins the board of directors
The Outreach Program of Brainerd Lakes is proud to announce the addition of Vaughn Larson to the board of directors.
Vaughn’s term with the board will take effect February 1, 2026.
Vaughn grew up in Austin, Minnesota. He met his wife Bekki, and they lived in the Twin Cities for a few years. They have been residents of Lake Shore for the past 11 years and have 2 kids that attend Nisswa Elementary School. Vaughn is co—owner of Marka Architecture, located in Nisswa.
When asked why do you want to be a board member for Outreach, Vaughn states “I would like to be helpful to those in my community; and I’d like to set a good example for my children”.
Vaughn joins a board of dedicated, compassionate people that believe in the mission of The Outreach Program of Brainerd Lakes: feeding our Minnesota neighbors.
The Board of Directors is comprised of 10 members from the Brainerd Lakes region: Pam Poston, Jason Martinson, Lori Kohorst, Brett Laugen, Aubrey Koman, Jeff Olson, Tim Wagner, Dawn Meierding, Jami Nelson and now Vaughn.
Shawn Hansen, Executive Director is thrilled to have such a thriving board of directors. “Vaughn will be a great addition to the team at Outreach. He truly wants to make a positive difference to those experiencing food insecurity”.
The Outreach Program of Brainerd Lakes started in 2012. The organization, with the help of community volunteers, has packed over 5 million meals. The mission is simple: to feed our Minnesota neighbors. The vision is clear: 80-90% of the meals packed, will be distributed within a 60–80-mile radius of Nisswa. The remaining 10-20% can be used for expanded Minnesota distribution, disaster relief and/or international needs.
To learn more about The Outreach Program of Brainerd Lakes, visit www.outreachprogramBLA.org; contact by email: info@outreachprogramBLA.org; contact by phone 218-961-0055.
7 CommentsComment on Facebook
This is such an honor to be chosen as this year’s Brainerd Jaycees Run for the Lakes primary recipient!
Thank you Brainerd Jaycees for choosing us. This support will help us continue to feed our Minnesota neighbors.We are proud to announce our 2026 main beneficiary is The Outreach Program of Brainerd Lakes! We are so thrilled to partner with such an amazing organization and can’t wait to tell you more about them soon!
outreachprogrambla.org
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Your generosity is the driving force behind the mission of feeding hungry families in need.
