Resources


Resource Index

Our resource index is divided by various topic areas of interest: Be Active, Eat Well, Breastfeeding, and Tobacco Free.
The following links will direct you to another web page with specific information about that resource.

Be Active

Activities for Older Adults
Find information about local physical activity opportunities for older adults in Anoka County.

Anoka County Parks and Recreation
Find information about parks, trails, campsites, and programs in Anoka County.

City Parks and Recreation
Links to the parks and recreation departments for each city, where you can find specific information about offerings in your community.

Community Education Classes
Learn about fitness classes and other opportunities available for all community members through the school districts in Anoka County.

Local Resource Map
Search for opportunities to be physically active near you.

Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans
Learn about the importance of physical activity and how to make it part of your regular routine.

YMCA Twin Cities
The YMCA of the Twin Cities is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to personal development and healthy living. Locations in Anoka County include sites in Andover, Forest Lake, Lino Lakes, and Coon Rapids. 

Eat Well

Hunger Solutions MN
Offers a variety of resources for individuals and families seeking food resources. The Minnesota Food Help Line assesses your individual/family situation and provides solutions to your food needs. Call 1-888-711-1151 to be connected with resources and/or receive assistance registering for SNAP/WIC. Help Line hours are Monday - Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm.

Anoka County Community Meals
A list of free community meals available for individuals and families throughout the year.

Anoka County Economic Assistance
SNAP/Food Assistance and help getting enough food to eat. Eligibility requirements apply. Call the EZ Info Line at 763-422-7200.

Anoka County Farms and Farmers Markets
A list of seasonal markets and farms where you can purchase fresh, local produce and other goods. 

Anoka County Food Shelves
A complete list of all food shelves and food distribution sites available to Anoka County residents.

Community Free Food Calendar
A monthly calendar with all of the free food options available in Anoka County.

Cooking Healthy on a Budget
Videos to teach you basic cooking skills and how to cook on a budget.

Fare For All
The Food Group's cooperative purchasing program that offers affordable groceries, including fresh fruit, vegetables, and meat, for up to 40% off retail prices. Fare for All has 38 locations throughout Minnesota where food packages are sold once per month. Call 763-450-3880 for more information. 

Healthy for Good
The American Heart Association has a new movement called Healthy for Good, which shares tips and resources for nutrition, physical activity, and mental well-being.

Local Resource Map
Search for local food shelves, low cost meals, farmers markets, and community gardens near you.

Meals on Wheels
Information for Meals on Wheels services specific to Anoka County residents (60 years and older).

Minnesota Food Helpline
With one call the Minnesota Food HelpLine assesses the caller’s situation and provide solutions to their food needs.

Nutrition Assistance Program for Seniors (NAPS)
Eligible seniors (60+) receive a box of USDA commodity shelf stable foods including canned fruits, vegetables, meat, and grains. Call 651-484-8241 for eligibility and to find a location.

University of Minnesota Extension
Find a plethora of information about food, health, nutrition, gardening/farming, and much more.

University of Minnesota Extension AnswerLine
Call for reliable, research-based answers for your questions about safely cooking, canning, and freezing foods... and much more!

USDA MyPlate
A simple food guidance system to help you plan a healthy diet.

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
Healthy food, nutrition counseling, and breastfeeding support for pregnant/post-partum women, infants, and children ages 0-5 years. Call the Anoka County WIC program at 763-324-4230.

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding and Child Care
Information about breastfeeding for child care providers. Become recognized by the Minnesota Department of Health as a Breastfeeding Friendly Child Care provider.

Breastfeeding Friendly Locations
A map of all locations that have received MDH Breastfeeding Friendly designation.

Breastfeeding and Maternity Centers
Information and resources for hospitals and maternity centers.

Breastfeeding in the Workplace
Information about supporting breastfeeding mothers as they return to work.

Breastfeeding Support Group
Free, drop-in center for pregnant and breastfeeding moms to receive information and support from a board-certified lactation consultant and other breastfeeding mothers.
Monday 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
4050 Coon Rapids Blvd Coon Rapids, MN 55433
(763) 236-7430

Educational Resources
Information about breastfeeding, weaning, hand expression, healthy eating as a breastfeeding mom, pumping, and much more!

General Information about Breastfeeding

La Leche League of Anoka County
Meetings and one-on-one support for breastfeeding mothers, as well as additional resources.Breastfeeding Helpline Counselors are available in English & Spanish at 1-877-452-5324.

Minnesota Breastfeeding Coalition
Breastfeeding resources for families and communities.

Public Health Nurse Family Home Visiting
Find support from a public health nurse and view the Breastfeeding Brochure with local resources.

Ready Set Breastfeed
A free informational class available to all WIC participants.

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
Supplemental nutrition program for low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, or non-breastfeeding postpartum women, and infants and children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk. For breastfeeding mothers, there is also the Heart 2 Heart Support Group.

Tobacco Free

American Indian Quitline
1-833-9AI-QUIT (1-833-924-7848)
Support to quit commercial tobacco while honoring sacred practices.

American Lung Association
Various resources to help you live tobacco free.

Asian Smokers Quitline
Provides in-language, one-on-one phone counseling, free nicotine patches, and self-help materials.
Mandarin and Cantonese (Chinese) Quitline: 1-800-838-8917
Korean Quitline: 1-800-556-5564
Vietnamese Quitline: 1-800-778-8440

Freedom From Smoking
Freedom From Smoking has helped hundreds of thousands of people quit smoking through online and in-person guides and support communities.

My Life My Quit
A free and confidential text program for teens to quit vaping or smoking. Text "Start My Quit" to 36072 or visit the website to register.

Public Health Law Center
The Public Health Law Center at Mitchell Hamline School of Law provides information about smoking regulations.

Quit Partner
1-800-QUIT-NOW
TTY: 1-877-777-6534
“Free help to quit your way.”
Online chat, phone coaching, text program and nicotine replacement therapy (patch, gum, lozenges).
Specialized programs for youth (ages 13-17), American Indian, pregnant/postpartum and mental health or substance use disorder.
Quit Partner replaced QUITPLAN on April 1, 2020. Participants enrolled in QUITPLAN Services before April 1, 2020 will be able to continue and finish their current QUITPLAN Services program. 

Smoke-Free Español
QUITLINE en Español: 1-855-335-3569
Todos los estados tienen líneas para dejar de fumar con asesores que están capacitados específicamente para ayudar a las personas que quieren dejar de fumar. Llame a este número para conectarse directamente a la línea para dejar de fumar en su estado. Las horas de operación y los servicios varían de un estado a otro.

Smoke-Free Housing Directory
A resources for renters to search for smoke-free housing options across Minnesota. Property managers can also apply to be listed.

Smoke-Free Vet
1-855-784-8838
Text message program, quit line, Stay Quit Coach app, and in-person counseling & medication at VA medical centers.

This Free Life (LGBT)
A campaign that works to prevent and reduce tobacco use and prevent setbacks among young adults who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT).

Tobacco Treatment Coverage through Minnesota Care and Medical Assistance
Information about what your health insurance covers for tobacco cessation.

Tobacco Treatment Specialists in Anoka County
Tobacco Treatment Specialists trained through the Mayo Clinic are professionals who are certified to provide evidence-based interventions and treatment for tobacco dependence.

Youth Tobacco Resources
A list of resources for youth, parents, and schools for preventing tobacco and e-cigarette use, as well as youth-specific quitting/cessation resources.