The Bemidji Food Shelf was organized during the summer of 1982. Realizing that the need was greater than any one church could handle, a group of twelve churches joined hands. A board of directors with representatives from each of the churches was formed. In addition, individuals from each of the churches were asked to become contact people for their congregations to keep them informed of the needs and services of the food shelf, and to collection and deliver donations to the food shelf. The food shelf now has 18 member churches.