Outdoor food lockers amendment

You can learn more about the outdoor food lockers amendment.

Background

On September 5, 2024, Council Member Osman introduced an ordinance to allow food lockers outside. Outdoor food lockers help make food more accessible in many ways. Food access is one policy in the Minneapolis 2040 Comprehensive Plan.

See the Minneapolis 2040 Comprehensive Plan policy for food access 

A food shelf in Minneapolis spurred this change. They asked to set up an outdoor refrigerated locker system at their building. The lockers will allow 24/7 pickup of pre-selected food for people who can't visit during regular hours. 

The food will be the same as at the food shelf, including:

  • Canned goods
  • Produce, meat, eggs, and milk

Other items available at request

  • Diapers and toilet paper
  • Toothbrushes and shampoo

Before the adoption of the amendment, food lockers needed to be inside of a building.

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

Adopted outdoor food lockers regulations

Effective date

April 5, 2025

Outdoor food lockers are now allowed at community provisions facilities. The change went into effect on April 5, 2025.

A community provisions facilities is a facility that provides services such as:

  • Food shelf
  • Free clothing
  • Meals or supplies
  • Day shelter

Read about the community provisions facility in the zoning code

The amendment amends Chapter 550.420 Enclosed building requirements. Food lockers will be subject to two standards:

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

Outdoor food lockers must have a food shelf license from the City. They must follow the rules in the Minneapolis Food Code and the Minnesota Food Code. 

Read more about food shelves or community food distribution

Goals of the amendment

The outdoor food lockers regulations will make it easier for people to have access to food from food shelves.

Increased food access can:

  • Increase access to healthy foods
  • Increase access to culturally specific foods
  • Reduce financial stress for low-income individuals and families
  • Promote social equity by reducing barriers
  • Connect marginalized and vulnerable individuals and groups to local resources

The amendment supports goals and policies outlined in the Minneapolis Food Vision Plan

Applicable sections of the Zoning Code

The ordinance affects the following chapters of the zoning code:

  • Chapter 550. Development Standards

Get more information on the Zoning Code

View Zoning Code maps

Meetings

City Planning Commission Committee of the Whole

December 5, 2024 - Staff shared their suggested changes to the code. They asked the Planning Commission for feedback and got helpful and positive comments.

View the meeting agenda

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

For all media inquiries, please contact the City of Minneapolis Communications Department.

Contact us

Sara Roman

Community Planning & Economic Development

Email Sara Roman

Phone

612-673-2855

Address

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