Privacy Policy

Effective date: October 11, 2026

St. Peter Area Foodshelf Inc. ("SPAF," "we," "us") respects your privacy. This policy explains what information we collect through stpeterfoodshelf.com (the "Site") and at the food shelf, how we use it, and the choices you have. We never sell your personal information.

1. Information you give us

When you visit the food shelf. We ask for, but do not require, the names and birth dates of everyone in your household, your address, and your phone number. Income is self-declared; we do not ask for proof of income.

When you donate. Online donations are processed by PayPal. PayPal collects your payment details; we receive your name, email, mailing address, and gift amount so we can thank you and send a tax receipt. We never see or store your full card or bank account number.

When you volunteer. Volunteer applications are collected through Google Forms, and produce distribution shifts through SignUpGenius. We receive the information you enter, such as your name, contact details, and availability.

When you contact us. If you call, email, or use the contact form on our Site, we keep the name, contact details, and message you share so we can respond. We do not add you to a mailing list.

2. Information collected automatically

Like most websites, the Site may collect basic technical information when you visit:

Your browser type, device, and general location (city or region)
Pages you view and how you arrived at the Site
Cookies used by our website platform and by Google Analytics to measure site traffic

This information is used in aggregate to improve the Site. You can block or delete cookies in your browser settings; the Site will still work.

3. How we use information

We use information to:

Provide food assistance and connect you to other resources
Tell households apart so we can serve everyone fairly
Report service totals (such as number of households and pounds distributed) to partners and funders, without names or identifying details
Process donations, send receipts, and thank donors
Schedule and communicate with volunteers
Answer questions and improve our services and the Site

4. How we share information

We do not sell, rent, or trade personal information. We share it only:

With service providers that help us operate, such as PayPal, Google, and SignUpGenius, who handle it under their own privacy policies
With food bank and government partners, as anonymous totals only, unless you ask us to make a referral on your behalf
When required by law, or to protect someone's safety

We may thank donors publicly by name. If you prefer to give anonymously, let us know and we will not list your name.

5. How long we keep it

We keep information only as long as we need it to serve you, meet reporting requirements, and follow the law. Client and donor records are kept for 7 years for tax purposes. You may ask us to delete your information at any time (see Section 8).

6. How we protect it

Client and donor records are limited to staff and trained volunteers who need them. Volunteers are expected to keep client information confidential. No method of storage or transmission is completely secure, but we take reasonable steps to protect what you share with us.

7. Children's privacy

The Site is not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from them online. Birth dates for children in a household are collected only from an adult during a food shelf visit. Children's Weekend Food Program enrollment is handled through local schools.

8. Your choices

You may:

Decline to give any requested information during a visit; you will still be served
Ask to see, correct, or delete the information we hold about you
Ask not to be listed publicly as a donor
Opt out of donor or volunteer emails using the unsubscribe link or by contacting us

9. Other websites

The Site links to outside organizations, such as government agencies, partner nonprofits, and our Facebook and Instagram pages. Those sites have their own privacy practices, and we are not responsible for them.

10. Changes to this policy

Questions or requests about your information:

Phone: 507-934-9641
Email: info@stpeterfoodshelf.com
Mail: St. Peter Area Foodshelf Inc., 201B South Third Street, St. Peter, MN 56082