Merrick Community Services stands as one of the oldest nonprofit agencies in Ramsey County, with a history of assisting individuals and families transition from poverty and become self-sufficient and stable. The core programs of MCS are Nutritional and Independence Services (comprised of the Food Shelves and MOW/Senior Services) and Employment, Family and Youth Services.

Since 1979, the North St. Paul Area Food Shelf has been dedicated to helping families in need of food. The Food Shelf is a volunteer-run, non-profit 501c3 organization. They believe that access to nutritious food is a basic human right and are committed to responding to the needs of the community by providing food distribution and future support services with dignity and respect.

Open Cupboard programs are designed to increase access to fresh, healthy food and basic necessities, and to provide those services in a positive, supportive way that reduces stigma and increases access to food.