New Ulm's public library feeds minds and now, stomachs

Quick Read

We know public libraries as places to check out books but the library in New Ulm, Minnesota is now allowing patrons to also take home kale, carrots, cantaloupe and frozen meals. It's new tool the community is using to fight food insecurity and food waste.

Most of us think of libraries as a place to peruse and check out books, use a computer, conduct research for a school paper and find resources to help with a job search. But the city of New Ulm is taking the community resource aspect of its public library to a whole new level, providing frozen meals and fresh produce for residents to take home.

The New Ulm Public Library’s new community fridge and freezer were installed last week as a free resource to residents experiencing food insecurity. It’s found on the main level near the Children’s Room. Visitors can take home items such as frozen kale and bananas, fresh cantaloupes and green beans and even some pr...