Veap Inc.

“The 990 is first sent to the finance committee for review. After approval, the return is sent to the board of directors for their review and approval prior to submission to the internal revenue service.”

“The board of directors and staff of the organization complete a conflict of interest document annually. An actual or potential conflict of interest includes a relationship or transaction that may provide gain or benefit to a director, officer, or employee of veap or an affiliated person of such person at the expense of or to the disadvantage of veap, or that may affect a director's, officer's, or employee's objective judgment regarding what is in the best interest of veap. Directors, officers, and employees must avoid any activities, interests, or relationships that would interfere with their ability to act in the best interests of veap. It is the policy of veap that the existence of any of the interests shall be disclosed before any transaction is consummated. It shall be the continuing responsibility of the directors, officers, and employees of veap to scrutinize their transactions and outside business interests and relationships for potential conflicts and to immediately make such disclosures. Upon knowledge of interest or potential interest, the interested person is expected to disclose the interest and abstain from the decision pending and remove themselves from any action that would influence the situation.”

“Compensation for all veap paid staff will be reviewed and approved annually in the following manner: 1. A compensation committee comprised entirely of independent directors is appointed by the board of directors. 2. The compensation committee will meet with the executive director and develop and approve a proposed budget for total compensation (including benefits) for all paid staff for the upcoming year. The compensation committee will also approve, without the involvement of the executive director, the compensation to be provided to the executive director for the upcoming year as part of the total compensation budget. In addition, the compensation committee will approve the specific salaries of all employees as recommended by the executive committee. The amount of the budget and the amount of the executive director's compensation will be based on a review of compensation for similar positions at similar organizations using the bi-annual minnesota nonprofit salary and benefits survey. 3. The compensation committee will recommend approval of the proposed compensation budget, including the executive director's compensation, to the executive committee. The recommended budget will include salary recommendations for all paid positions within veap. 4. The executive committee will review and recommend approval by the board of directors of the compensation budget for the upcoming year, and will provide the board with a summary of the payroll and salary package.”

“Governing documents, conflict of interest policy and financial statements are available upon request.”

“Food program - veap's food program includes a food pantry, special needs food services, emergency food packs and holiday hot meals for seniors: veap operates the largest food pantry in the state of minnesota serving nearly 10,000 low-income individuals on a monthly basis. Veap's pantry operates under a client choice model meaning clients are able to select the food they know their family can use. Fresh fruits and vegetables as well as shelf-stable and cultural foods are available. In 2014, there were 33,548 vists to the pantry. For clients who are able to get to veap via public transport or other means, but do not have transportation home, rides home from the food pantry are provided by veap volunteers removing the transportation barrier. In 2014, 3,706 rides home were provided to veap food pantry clients. Pre-packed emergency food packs are available to individuals and families in need of food but living outside veap's service area. These individuals receive an emergency pack on a one-time basis and are referred to the food shelf serving their area. The veap service center is making it possible for veap to serve up to 185 households per day in the food pantry, up from a maximum of 120 in the former location. Just as important, families are able to get an appointment within 48 hours whereas prior to the move, they would wait 5-7 days for an appointment. In 2014, veap launched the neat program (nutrition education and teaching). In response to client interest on improving their health and making healthy meals for their families, this innovative program is designed to provide information on healthy food choices, in the context of a limited budget, through nutrition education and skill building. Our new state-of-the-art commercial kitchen equipped with eight mobile, multi-purpose and two handicap accessible work stations, provides an opportunity for clients to get hands-on experience in cooking simple, economical and tasty foods. Additionally, the commercial kitchen allows veap to repurpose fresh foods that are at the end of their shelf life. In 2014, thousands of bananas were repurposed into banana bread and made available to veap clients.”

“Social services program - the primary goal of veap's social services program is to prevent homelessness and other crises through emergency financial assistance that re-stabilizes individuals and families in current or new housing. Licensed social workers provide professional social services to individuals and families in need through emergency financial assistance for housing, utilities, car repairs and day care. Clients also receive resources and referrals to other community organizations to help them meet their current needs and put them on the road to long-term stability. In 2014, 645 individuals benefited from the financial assistance program. Social workers also help clients with short-term case management, referrals and advocacy. Social workers responded to 7,224 calls in 2014.”

“Children & youth services program - children and youth services program include summer youth food, student hunger collaborative, back to school, holiday toys and birthday bag programs. The summer youth food program provides groceries for breakfast and lunch to school-aged child needing assistance during the summer months when school is not in session. Most children participating in this program receive free and reduced breakfast and lunch programs through the schools during the school year. In 2014, there were 3,286 visits to receive food through this program. The student hunger collaborative provides weekend food for students seen at high-risk for having little or no food over the weekend. The pre-packed bags are delivered to six area schools on friday morning for distribution by school staff. This program was piloted in january 2014 and 1,723 food packs were distributed to students. Veap's annual back to school program provides school supplies to help students in grades k-12 start the school year off right with necessary supplies. In 2014, this program served 3,179 students. In december 2014, low-income parents made the holidays more special by selecting and giving toys, books, hats and mittens for 4,611 children.”