OUR MISSION IS TO HARNESS OUR CREATIVITY INTO A VIABLE SOLUTION
The History of Walker Area Food Shelf
In 1976 a group of area churches joined hands under the leadership of Arden Johnson, Pastor of Community Church of Walker. This group identified the need, and formed the Walker Area Food Shelf (WAFS) with Alice Tausch serving as the first Director. Food was collected by local churches and distributed in pre-packaged boxes through Bi-County Community Action Programs (BI-CAP). WAFS has maintained continuous operation since 1976 and in 1994 became a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. We moved to our current location on 8243 Industrial Park Road NW in 2017.
Over the past 30 years the Walker Area Food Shelf has offered clothing, toys, and a handful of other everyday items. We have since chosen to focus exclusively on food, household cleaners/disinfectants, hygiene products, and what we believe are the true essentials for everyday living. We partner with local nonprofits like Faith In Action to schedule deliveries to families in need and other non profit crisis organizations like St. Vincent De Paul to ensure that any other emergency needs are met with kindness and compassion. We also refer clients in need to the appropriate Agency for additional assistance programs and/or crisis support options.
Client Feedback
Listening to the families we serve is how we make strategic decisions that influence the way we plan and operate.Why is it important?
Walker Area Food Shelf is consistently achieving some of the highest marks during the Annual Anonymous Client Satisfaction Surveys which are facilitated state-wide.Strategic Partnership
We can't do this alone. We partner with several organizations to pursue our goals - and we are always open to new ideas.Want to help?
Contact us today to learn more about our programs and efforts to end hunger in our local communities. We are always open to discuss ideas.Active Board
Monthly meetings, weekly updates, daily discussions - that's why we continue to achieve top client satisfaction scores.Dedicated Compassion
When you have a dedicated team executing their mission… supported by hundreds of compassionate people – you will see the team grow and the world change.
Our Leadership Team:
- Andrew Soleta, Executive Director
- Roxanne Johnson, Chair
- Lisa Logan, Vice Chair
- Judy Fuller, Co-Treasurer/Acting Secretary
- Babs Debes, Co-Treasurer
- Terri Fierstine, Member at Large
- Coretta Czycalla, Board Member
- John Grimley – Board Member
- Kathy Johnson – Board Member
- Frank Lamb – Board Member
- Kevin Lyons – Board Member
- Craig Nason, Board Member
- Laurie Weidenborner – Board Member
ANDREW SOLETA
Executive Director
Walker Area Food Shelf
Andrew Soleta serves as Executive Director of the Walker Area Food Shelf, where he leads with compassion, faith, and a deep commitment to serving neighbors in need. With a mission to “open the door” to both those seeking help and those eager to give, Andrew is guiding the organization toward a more community-centered approach—inviting good-hearted individuals, local churches, and volunteers to play an active role in fighting hunger across the region.
Originally from southwest Minnesota, Andrew spent his early years in the agricultural industry before his family relocated to New Mexico during the farming downturn of the 1980s. His time there sparked a lifelong love of the outdoors and gave him a broader perspective on humanity and connection. Returning to Minnesota as a child, Andrew eventually built his career at Reeds, where he developed leadership skills and a heart for teamwork before being called to his current role at the Food Shelf.
Grounded in faith since the loss of his oldest daughter in 2001, Andrew brings empathy and purpose to his leadership. Under his direction, the Walker Area Food Shelf continues to expand its reach—serving more than 15,000 individuals in 2024 with essential items such as dairy, meat, produce, dry goods, and toiletries through partnerships with Second Harvest Food Bank and other supporters.
A devoted husband to Christina and father of ten, Andrew believes that caring for one another is both a community responsibility and a reflection of shared hope. “It’s about opening doors,” he says, “so that no one in our community goes hungry.”