Outdoor food lockers

Minneapolis adopted an outdoor food locker amendment in April 2025.

Background

On September 5, 2024, Council Member Osman introduced an ordinance to allow food lockers outside.

The ordinance was a response to a request from a local food shelf to:

  • Set up an outdoor refrigerated locker system at their building
  • Allow 24/7 pickup of preselected food for people who can't visit during regular hours
  • Offer canned goods, produce, meat, eggs, and milk
  • Provide diapers, toilet paper, toothbrushes and shampoo upon request

At the time, our Code of Ordinance required food lockers to be inside buildings.

Outdoor food lockers:

  • Make it easier for people to get food
  • Support the food access in the Minneapolis 2040 Comprehensive Plan

See the Minneapolis 2040 Comprehensive Plan policy for food access 

Set of food lockers with images of fruits and vegetables with a sign that says Hunger to Hope

Adopted outdoor food lockers regulations

Effective April 5, 2025

Outdoor food lockers are now allowed at community provisions facilities. This includes buildings that offer services like:

  • A food shelf
  • Free clothing
  • Meals or supplies
  • Day shelter

The change went into effect on April 5, 2025.

Read about the community provisions facility in the zoning code

This is an amendment to Minneapolis code, Chapter 550.420, Enclosed building requirements.

Outdoor food lockers are subject to two standards.

  • They can hold food, drinks, and other items provided by the community provisions facility.
  • They must be at least 20 feet away from nearby homes or apartment buildings in city neighborhoods.

The lockers must also:

  • Have a food shelf license from the City
  • Follow the rules in the Minneapolis Food Code and the Minnesota Food Code

See Minneapolis ordinance 550.420

Read more about food shelves or community food distribution

Goals, code, meetings

Goals of the amendment

  • The amendment supports the goals and policies of the City's food vision plan.
  • The outdoor food locker rules make it easier for people to get food from food shelves.
  • Increased food access can:
    • Make healthy foods easier to get
    • Provide more culturally-specific foods
    • Help low-income people and families worry less about money
    • Remove barriers to promote fairness for everyone
    • Link vulnerable and marginalized people to local support and services

See the Minneapolis Food Vision Plan

Applicable sections of the zoning code

The ordinance affects the City's development standards.

 

Meetings

Staff attended a City Planning Commission Committee of the Whole on Dec. 5, 2024.

At the meeting, they:

  • Shared suggest changes to the code
  • Asked the Planning Commission for feedback.
  • Receive helpful and positive comments.

View the meeting agenda

Process, resources, media requests

Adoption process

  • City Planning Commission  - Feb. 24, 2025
  • Business, Housing, and Zoning Committee -  Mar. 20, 2025
  • City Council – Mar. 27, 2025
  • Ordinance Approved and Signed by Mayor – Apr. 3, 2025
  • Effective Date – Apr. 5, 2025

Resources

Media requests

Contact the City of Minneapolis Communications Department

Contact us

Joe Bernard

Community Planning & Economic Development

 

Email Joe Bernard

Phone

612-673-2422

Address

Public Service Building
505 Fourth Ave. S., Room 320
Minneapolis, MN 55415