OUR JOURNEY TO A BRIGHTER FUTURE
For almost 50 years, SACA has fed neighbors in need in Columbia Heights and surrounding communities. From its modist beginnings in a residential house to its current 6,500 square foot building, the organization has grown with the needs of our neighbors. Today, in 2025, SACA is serving record numbers of people and planning for an expansion that will allow us to serve even more families and better meet the needs of the community. Join us on our journey to a brighter future as we plan and prepare to move into our new space.
“I am grateful for the help that SACA provided me in the past when I had nothing to eat and needed some structure in my life to be able to return to the workforce. SACA put me on my feet again.”
— SACA Client & Volunteer
The Timeline
2020
Amidst the pandemic, SACA’s staff and board knew that the organization needed to evolve if it was going to withstand the increase in demand for its services. SACA needed more space to feed as many people as possible.
SACA hired an external consultant to help develop plans for raising the funds needed to purchase a larger space. A capital campaign was launched in March.
2021- 2022
SACA was in discussions with the city of Columbia Heights about developing a new community space that would house SACA and affordable housing apartments on 42nd and Jackson. However, as planning progressed, SACA had growing concerns that the new space wouldn’t allow for organizational growth and would exceed SACA’s budget. SACA ultimately decided to purchase their own larger building with more opportunity for expansion.
2023
In January, SACA signs the purchase agreement for 3905 California St NE in Columbia Heights. The building is about a mile from SACA’s current location and is three times the size.
Also in January 2023, SACA was awarded $1,000,000 in federal funding when President Biden signed the 2022 Federal Government Spending Bill into law. In May, SACA was awarded $2.5 million in funding from the Minnesota State Legislature.
In September, SACA hosted a Community Picnic at its future home in partnership with Northeast Bank.
2024
Construction plans progressed, paperwork was filed, and SACA worked closely with county, state, and federal employees to meet the requirements to receive grant funds. However, due to governmental delays and unforeseen circumstances, SACA received no federal or state grant funding in 2024 and, therefore, was unable to start construction.
SACA used the building to store large food donations and host sorting events throughout the year.
SACA hosted the holiday toy giveaway at its future home in December.
2025
SACA’s first draw of state grant dollars is on the way. A general contractor is secured and ready to start the project.
SACA’s federal grant dollars are in limbo due to President Trump’s recent executive actions. Construction is delayed until SACA gets a better understanding of what will happen with the federal grant.
What’s Next?
SACA will continue to work with the state and federal grant teams, the contractor, and project manager to advance the building project with hopes of moving into the new building by 2026.
This page will continuously be updated with the latest updates on the project and photos of our progress.
Your generous support is pivotal to SACA’s bright future.
SACA has always been built by and for the community. We need your support to ensure SACA’s success. Naming opportunities, including a donor wall, are tangible ways to show our clients and neighbors that there is a community of support invested in their bright futures.
This project would not be possible without the support of these businesses and organizations.
Thank you
Your simple gestures to donate, volunteer, and advocate for SACA Food Shelf are greatly appreciated. With your assistance, we are able to empower our neighbors and build a brighter future for our community.
- SACA Staff & Board Members