Small Team. Big Impact.
We help our neighbors meet their basic needs, so we can all grow together.
OUR MISSION is to provide food and resources to those in need while empowering dignity and independence to those we serve in our community.
Southern Anoka Community Assistance (SACA) is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit food shelf located in Columbia Heights. SACA has been serving the communities of Columbia Heights, Hilltop, Fridley, Spring Lake Park, and NE Minneapolis for almost 50 years. Using the Client Choice food shelf model, we serve 55,000 individuals each year, giving out over 950,000 pounds of food annually.
Our numbers have increased every year since 2019, and are continuing to do so. We remain committed to our mission and are thankful for our community of supporters.
SACA is run by a small number of dedicated staff, with 93% of the effort donated by volunteers.
SACA Staff
Dave Rudolph – Food Shelf Co-Director
daver@sacafoodshelf.org
Elaine Walker – Food Shelf Co-Director
elainew@sacafoodshelf.org
Leigh McCarren - Communications Manager
leighm@sacafoodshelf.org
Emily Beck - Program Manager
emilyb@sacafoodshelf.org
Joan Groenke - Lead Volunteer & Thrift Store Manager
Tyrome Williams - Warehouse Lead
Dawn Williams - Warehouse Assistant
SACA Board of Directors
Board Chair – Stephen D. Smith
Retired – Senior Technical Services Representative
I was asked by our House Representative at the time, Carolyn Laine as she was instrumental in rebuilding the board. I stayed because I thought I could help with my community connections and it was easy to see there was and is a need. Now I enjoy all my contacts with our clients many who have become good friends.
Vice Chair – Sue Sjoselius
Northeast Bank – Director of Risk Management & Marketing
Suzanne M. Sjoselius is the Director of Risk Management & Marketing for Northeast Bank, with over thirty-five years of financial services experience. Sue grew up in Columbia Heights, Minnesota and graduated from Columbia Heights High School. Sue brings her passion for community and collaboration to SACA, as the current vice chair of the board.
Treasurer – Brian Harper
RR Donnelley – Application Development Manager – IT
I have lived, worked, and raised a family in the Minneapolis area over the past 40 years. Serving on the SACA board has been a great way to give back to my community. I value experiences in life over collecting things and serving with SACA has brought me great experiences, valued friendships, and satisfaction in helping others.
Beth Barbosa
Gilbert Alden Barbosa – Partner
I am passionate about social justice and building our communities so that every person feels supported.
Ben Harris
Sharp Creative – Managing Partner
Ben joined the Board of Directors of SACA Food Shelf in 2017, after two years of volunteering for an event to support SACA. Ben brings his experience as the owner of a brand marketing agency to help SACA attract new donors and volunteers so we can continue the mission of fighting hunger in our community, while providing services with the highest levels of dignity and respect.
Ashely Hauf
Sales Director at Dual Citizen Brewing Company
I first became involved with SACA to help promote the Hops For Hunger beer festival and I grew to love SACA's passion and dedication to the community and I knew it was something I wanted to be a part of! I hope my involvement with the brewing community will be a way to make fundraisers and events at SACA a huge success!
Craig Malm
Retired
Craig has been professionally active in the southern Anoka County area for over 30 years. Craig was involved with SACA’s initial planning of Empty Bowls and is committed to eliminating food insecurity for individuals and families in our area. Craig holds masters’ degrees in Social Work and Business Administration, and his background includes managing social services at Mercy Hospital, is a long time member of the Anoka County Community Health Advisory Committee, and he enjoys community planning, with a strong interest in collaborating with others to help those in need.
Demi Radeva
Director of Strategy and Innovation, United Healthcare
Food shelters were a critical resource for my family and I during our immigration journey and when we lost everything to a house fire. Whether temporary or a longer term need, food shelters help people of all ages and demographics to thrive by allowing them to focus on other important things such as looking for a new job, or getting new housing, without worrying about where their next meal will come from.
