Operation Sandwich

Operation Sandwich logo with granola bars in background

Operation Sandwich is a grassroots program that began in 2019 with the goal to provide consistent food security for kids when school isn't in session. We provide lunch and snack kits during every school break and every week during summer break. Thanks to our generous community, Operation Sandwich served more than 45,000 lunches during the summer of 2024.

During the summer, Operation Sandwich has four pickup locations throughout the Brainerd Lakes Area: Brainerd, Nisswa, Jenkins and Pine River. During the school year, distribution is available at our Brainerd and Pine River pickup locations only.

Looking to get signed up for a distribution? See upcoming opportunities below!

Volunteers are the key to Operation Sandwich success! Volunteers unload food delivery trucks, pack lunches and distribute on pickup day. Serve by yourself, with family, or a group from work! Click below to see what opportunities are available.

VOLUNTEER

THANK YOU LUNCH SPONSORS!

Anderson Brothers logo
Zaisers store logo
Nice Enough art stickers logo
CRMC logo
Cosmetic and Family Dentistry logo
Cub foods logo
Mid Minnesota Federal Credit Union logo
Holiday on Mill Avenue logo
Nor-Son custom builders logo
Nor-Son Construction logo

Distribution Information

Register Here

Next lunch pick up is on Thursday, July 10th. There will NOT be a distribution on July 3rd.

REMINDER, participants are allowed to pick up for themselves and ONE other family

If you have questions about Operation Sandwich, please call our office at 218.825.7682 or email info@bridgesofhopemn.org

PICK UP LOCATIONS:

BRAINERD

The Bridge on 7th
1926 S 7th Street
12-1PM

NISSWA

Lutheran Church of the Cross
5064 County Road 13
10:30-11AM

PEQUOT LAKES

Our Savior's Lutheran
Church
30985 Front Street
11:30AM-12PM

JENKINS

Veteran's Park
MN 371 & Third Street
11:30AM-12PM

PINE RIVER

First Lutheran Church
309 2nd Street North
11:30AM-12PM

CROSSLAKE

Crosslake Community School
35808 County Road 66
11-11:30AM
Operation Sandwich donations measurement - currently at 85,640

This summer, with your help, we’re gearing up to serve over 500 local families through Operation Sandwich, a Bridges of Hope program that ensures kids have access to nourishing meals even when school is not in session.​

Last summer, Operation Sandwich helped 513 households, distributing over 43,000 lunches across the Brainerd, Pillager, Pequot Lakes, and Pine River school districts. That impact was only possible thanks to generous community support, and this year, your gift can go even further.​

Double Your Impact
Thanks to a generous $50,000 matching gift from Katie and Biff Ulm, owners of Zaiser’s and Nice Enough, every donation will be matched dollar-for-dollar. That means every $1 you give provides twice the meals and twice the hope for families in our community.​​​​Thank you for being part of this important work. Together, we’re making sure no child goes hungry and proving that Better Times Begin Here.

DONATE